PRAYER BOOK

Hokitika Guardian, 10 February 1927, Page 3

PRAYER BOOK

[Australian & X.Z. Cablo Association,]

BRAVER BOOK REVISION. XKW VCR'K, February JO. the New York Episcopal elcrgvnion commenting on the proposed changes in the Prayer Book recommended |>v the Bishops of the Church of England', declare the more important thereof follow the changes adopted by the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States, instancing the elimination of the word “ obey ” from the marriage .service, while the phrase “with alb my wordlv goods J thee endow,” have been struck Irom the Episcopal service. The English Bishops modified “endow” to “ share.” The Bishop of New Y ork said the proposed changes are interesting but not sensational, nor drastic. The recommendations are intelligent ami •show an appreciation of the needs of new times. Rev. I)r Gates, who sat on the Episcopal Commission, said the changes suggested are very conservative.. Other clergy generally favour the proposals. .MANIFESTO ISSUED. LONDON, February !). I be Church t Association has issued a manifesto urging ail desirous of maintaining the principles of Reformation to oppose tho authorisation of the alternative prayer bool; and declares that anarehial conditions are prevailing in the Anglican Church and are mainly due to the Bishops disregarding their consecration vows. The revision proposals are a reversion to mediaeval theories and practices. For example, the alternative consecration prayer contained in the petition, that the bread and wine “ may be unto us Body and Blood of Thy Son.” which the Church thrice rejected. The reinstatement of such a pernicious doctrine is the betrayal of the trust, providing shelter for tho teaching which the prayer book and articles exclude. The manifesto opposes vestments as likeiv to lead to blasphemous teaching and also the reservation and prayers for the dead, the last of which is supersti tons.

A NEW ZEALAND VIKYV

CHRISTCHURCH February 10. * Interviewed, the Primate of New Zealand. Archbishop Averill, said that there was no doubt the Prayer Book should receive periodical revision. It was not infallible, ft was only a medium for the expression of religion, and ns such it should ho suitable to our needs. There was much that was archaic in the old Book that must he brought up to date'. His only regret was that it bad not been done long ‘ \ “ There is certain to be strong opposition to any alteration of the Communion Service. There is a very strong feeling that any alteration may provide a sanction for the introduction of unorthodox teachings, or for doctrines not arrived at at the Reformation settlement.” The main bone or contention, he went on to say, was the question of reservation of the Sacrament. Originally it was the primitive idea by which sick persons were kept in touch with the religious community, but now it should lie the exception.