PRAYER BOOK

Hokitika Guardian, 24 December 1927, Page 3

PRAYER BOOK

ARCH DISH OP ’ S ST ATKM E NT. [Australian & N.Z. Cable Association.] LONDON, Dec. 22. Tho Archbishops of Canterbury and York have issued a statement as follows “ The House of Commons’ rejection of the Prayer Jiook has produced a position of difficulty and anxiety in the life of the Church and nation. While regulation must he avoided, and there is certainly no ground for panic, it ' cannot deny tho crisis is grave, laying a heavy responsibility on the Bishops, to whom the Church is entitled to look for counsel and guidance. “The Lambeth Conference maintain ed unity marking deliberations for two years, ft is impossible within a few days of the Commons vote to determine the obligations thereby imposed on tin;

Church, therefore the conference adjourned till January Iltli to enable further thought and prayer in the hope of presenting the considered proposals to the- Church Assembly convocations in February. Nevertheless, a word ot counsel and reassurance must immediately be spoken. “ After the consultation ol the Bishops we address the Church in this measure: The House of Commons was within its rights in the rejection of the measure and on the other hand mere aequicsenee in decision would he im (insistent with the Church’s responsibilities as a spiritual society. The Bishops recognise there are circumstances in which it would be their duty to act in accordance with the Church’s inherent spiritual authority. We realise our duty and are ready to fulfil it if essential, but we believe the Commons decision was ,due to certain unavoidable misunderstandings and therefore wo cannot take the responsibility of accepting tho decision as final. The Bishops have accordingly resolved to re-introduce the measure at the Assembly, with only .such changes as will remove the apprehensions and make the intentions of limitations more explicit.

“ Meanwhile, we arc appealing to tho whole Church for corporate loyalty with which alone we can meet the dangers which rise with the opportunities of this critical time. n LONDON, Dec. 22.

“ AVith all authority of our office wo earnestly ask none to avail liimsel! of the Prayer Book’s provisions to alter the services or introduce new usages until tho Church fully authorised book of usages has been adopted. We ask the clergy to discontinue them for the sake of peace and unity. We also believe that the Churchmen who conscientiously opposed the measure, do not do or say anything to increase the difficulties. Self-restraint and self-sacrifice will be the truest loyalty. Calmness is the highest form of courage. When the Church’s well being for many generations may especially depend on things we do and refrain from doing. Lot hasty words and acts not disturb the holy season of ’Xmas. Let us enter the New Year, fraught with grave issues, in the spirit of united prayer. “In these happenings God must have some purpose for the Church. May we have humility and faith to discern, and faith and steadfastness to obey it. We believe these anxieties will set a new time of eager generous devotion moving within tho Church. Let us raise and bear long new love and loyalty as a thing itself, true and beautiful. Now Year for unity, new constraint of charity within the fellowship of Christ, now zeal in His Kingdom at home and abroad. Then time may prove the means which God will use to cleanse and defend His Church.”

Sir Joynson Hicks says: “T have with deepest interest and considerable happiness the Archbishops’ statement. 1 think l lie re eoidd not tie a ■wiser decision tit accept the I idlest appeal at presonti and do nothin" to divide the parlies whose future largely depends on the future proposed alterations. LONDON, Dec. 22. The Bishops will discuss the charges on January lltli. and will submit them to the Church Assembly in February. They are designed to remove misapprehension in the House of Commons, and more clearly and explicitly outline the Books’ intentions and limitations.