FREE CHURCHES AND THE PRAYER BOOK.

Hokitika Guardian, 26 May 1928, Page 4

FREE CHURCHES AND THE PRAYER BOOK.

“ In considering the proposed revision of the Prayer Book the National Council of Evangelical Free Churches expresses its regret that, owing to the Church of England being by law established, Parliament is compelled to take action in regard to the spiritual concerns of the Church, and that Free Churchmen, in common with the whole body of citizens, have a public duty thrust upon them which they are called upon to fulfil. The discharge ol this duty is made the more difficult beca”use the provisions of the Enabling Act, while necessitating the submission of the measure to Parliament, afford no alternative to the adoption or rejection of the measure as it is submitted by the Church Assembly. The council recognises that the Revised Prayer Book is in part intended to meet the legitimate and growing needs of public worship; yet the council (while concerned about other proposed changes) regards the permission of tho Perpetual Reservation of the Sacramental Elements of the Lords Supper, with the abuses of doctrine and practice that have become associated with it, as inconsistent with and clangorous to the reformed settlement of the Church of England. Should, therefore, the measure in its final form contain this authorisation of Perpetual Reservation, the council will oppose ilia sanction of Parliament being given to it.”—From a manifesto.