THE PRAYER BOOK

Hokitika Guardian, 26 January 1931, Page 5

THE PRAYER BOOK

ALLEGED ILLEGAL ACTION,

[United Press Association—By Electri Telegraph.—Copyright.]

(Times)

LONDON, January 25

That the Archbishops and Bishops action in sanctioning and directing the use of a prayer book containing alternatives and additional forms, rites ceremonies and rubrics, differing from the Book of Common Prayer, is unconstitutional and illegal, is the opinion of Sir Leslie Scott, Solicitor General in 1922.

This opinion is supported by the barrister, Wilfred Lewis. They declare the action of the Upper Houses of Convocation of York, and Canterbury in passing resolutions of July 1929, utilising. the new book as a tvork of reference, and fixing the limit for permissible variations from the old Book was unconstitutional and ultra vires. The Archbishops and Bishops action in passing the resolution was a. breach of the statutory duties imposed by law upon the clergy. The Archbishop of Canterbury’s direction to the diocese applying the resolution was also a breach of the acts of uniformity, • as was also the conduct of the clergy in utilising the liberty accorded them to use the new book. •: ■ ..

The position of u Bishop; using the new forms-Tit a Confirmation and other services, is the same as another Minister using an illegal form of Divine Service. ; ' if. ' •, “ .