DISESTABLISHMENT

Hokitika Guardian, 29 December 1928, Page 5

DISESTABLISHMENT

ADVOCATED BY BISHOP OK DURHAM.

(United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph— Copyright),

(Received this day at 9. a.m.) LONDON, December 27

’I He lli.sho|> of Durham writing in the “ Nineteenth Century.” advocates disestablishment bv consent, arguim' that the rejection of the Prayer Rook measures created a siluaiton in which the churches lirst duty is to vindicate its ■spiritual independence. He adds that the loss oif national status would, for many churchmen, he a wounding experience, but establishment has (eased to lie an object of regard for a majority. Disestablishment does not stand alone tint goes with sinister, terrifying prospect of disendowmeiit. Mates men in friendly conference with the leaders of the Church of England and Free Churches, might frame a measure of disestablishment and disendow men t. ending the immemorial relation of the Church and State in England, which has now lost its justification, and liecome unwholesome for both. This would -secure indispensable freedom to spiritual society. It would not cripple the church’s work by the harsh measure of confiscation, and it would not wound devout Anglicans hy secular control of sacred buildings, for centuries long enshrining the worship of the church.