THE PRAYER BOOK

Dominion, Volume 21, Issue 115, 13 February 1928, Page 9

THE PRAYER BOOK

REVISION STAGE DISCUSSIONS IN HOUSES OF CLERGY AND LAITY THE RESERVATION RUBRICS The Houses of Clergy and Laity continued the discussions on the amended Prayer Hook, the reservation of the Sacrament again being the main point at issue. BY TELEGRAPH.—PRESS ASSOCIATION. Copyright. London, February 10. At the meeting of the House of Laity to consider the amended Prayer Book the chief event at the resumed discussion in committee was a lady’s success in carrying an addendum to the reservation rubrics. Mrs. Creighton, widow of a former Bishop of London, said that in order to show there was no Popish plot, at which there was general laughter, she moved an addition of words affirming that the new Communion for the sick was not intended for uses contrary to the Church’s historic beliefs. She explained that her idea was to remove any misunderstandings and misapprehensions which the amendment had aroused. Several distinguished laymen, including Lord Hugh Cecil, said the amendment was unconstitutional and ultra vires, because it purported to define the Church’s theological doctrine.

Dr. Cuthbert Turner, professor of divinity at Oxford, said the House of Laity, including himself, knew next to nothing about theology, which matter was for bishops. Mrs. Creighton's amendment was passed with a preface respectfully requesting the bishops to consider whether such a declaration could be included in the book.

Dr. Cuthbert Turner again protest ed that the amendment was out o order.

The chairman, the Earl of Selborne, agreed to consult the archbishops for a ruling on the amendments to the first and second rubrics, which would either be withdrawn or defeated after the briefest debate, but the Anglo-Catholics moved to delete the provision for a third rubric, declaring that the reservation was intended for the sickonly and should be used for no other purpose whatever, the latter words being intended to reassure the House of Commons. The Anglo-Catholics claimed the right to worship the “Real Presence,” and it should be a matter of individual conscience. The amendment was defeated. The scenes at Darwen Church recently prompted a successful amendment, which was moved and seconded from Lancashire, requiring the clergy to consult their parochial councils before introducing any changes to the services from what the parishioners had been accustomed. The mover said that the Darwen controversy was symptomatic in the Church, and had paralysed Lancashire, where parishioners bad refused to contribute towards the upkeep of the Church without safeguards against unpppular innovations. Sir Thomas Inskip secured an additional clause, making it perfectly clear

that the old book was available as before for those desiring it. The House of Clergy debated an amendment designed to give believers in the “Real Presence” an opportunity to worship according to their beliefs. It was rejected by 146 votes to 56. AMENDMENTS BY THE CLERGY. (Rec. February 12, 5.5 p.m.) London, February 11. Apart from a minor amendment relating to the position of the ambry in which reserved sacrament is kept,' the only amendment in the House of Clergy gave ihe clergy the right to appeal to the Archbishop in Synod from the decision of a bishop in matters concerning perpetual reservation. This was carried by an overwhelming majority and the House adjourned till February 15. The House of Laitv reassembled, and in the evening session adopted a resolution similar to the clergy’s providing for appeal to the Archbishop and the collective bishops in each province regarding licenses for reservations of the sacrament. Sir Charles Marston attempted to obtain a revision of'the Athanasinn creed. Lord Hugh Cecil pointed out that the motion was outside the Assembly’s scope. The motion was rejected. The House of Laitv completed the revision stage. In announcing the postponement o f the Convocation of Canterbury arranged, to begin on February 15, the Primate e> plains that the bishops in both provinces are anxious to proceed with the revision stage of the Prayer Book next week, after receiving reports from the Houses of Clergy and Laity.—A.P.A and “Sun ”