CHURCH, NOT STATE

Evening Star, Issue 19784, 7 February 1928, Page 8

CHURCH, NOT STATE

LORO HUGH CECIL'S OUTBURST ARCHBISHOP'S PLEA “.NO ILL-CONSIDERED WORD.” Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright LONDON, February 0. (Received February 7, at 12.10 p.m.). The Archbishop of Canterbury, at the session of the Church Assembly, said the House of Bishops introduced tho amended measure believing it to be an embodiment of all considerations. _ He submitted it to the three Houses of Assembly, as endeavoring to meet the desires of all groups. The House ol Bishops would cheerfully consider any amendments from the Houses of the Clergy and Laity. He hoped no illconsidered word would strengthen those who, because the skein is tangled, would ruthlessly cut out something characteristic of England’s lilc, telling throughout tho centuries for public spirit and reverence for thulh. Lord Hugh Cecil was greeted with cheers when lie said; “Any substantial change in the measure would turn mo and many supporters into violent opponents, because we do nob anticipate that revision would provide benefits balancing the extreme mischief of accepting from Parliament a substantial change regarding the ministry of the Word and sacrament. 'Toleration should bo extended to those leeling passionately. The church, not Parliament, must determine strictly spiritual things. In relation to the sacrament the °Stato was not the minister of divine purpose lor this.’ Voices: “Why not?” Lord Cecil: “ Because it has not been given them from on high.” Lord Cecil added that an important modification of tho measure would render the whole enterprise futile. The amendment could not be enforced by appealing to the people’s conscience to obey tho church if they were asked to obev tho House of Commons. What High Churchmen would obey tho House of Commotio if the position of the upholders of the old Prayer Book was untouched? Voices: “No.” Lord Cecil: “The clergy, at any rate, are unaffected.” Renewed “ Noes.”

Lord Cecil: “Wc can only carry opinion with us if the bishops, clergy, and laity are seen to be acting freely and independently.” Discussion was adjourned, and the three Houses sitting separately will consider approving the proposals.