The Manawatu Herald. SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26, 1907. DYING HARD.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXIX, Issue 3776, 26 October 1907, Page 2

The Manawatu Herald. SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26, 1907. DYING HARD.

In the words of a witty nonconformist writer, the Primate of England and the bishops are now passive resisters —of the Deceased Wifi’s Sister A.ct, he meant. The Archbishop of Canterbury seems to be receiving, a good backing. When the Bill passed the Primate wrote to the Canterbury Diocesan Magazine, advising passive resistance. The Act, he points out, “Leaves to every encumbent full discretion as to whether or not he will solemnise such a marriage if requested to do so. If he declines, it is again left to his discretion to say whether or not he will sanction its solemnisation by another clergyman in the church which is under his control and care. This discretion covers, of course, the proclamation of banns. I have already, although the Bill is only to-day receiving the Royal Assent, been asked to give advice in a specific case, and it may be well, therefore, that I should at once let it be known that we shall, in my judgment, serve best the interest of the church and people lay not solemnising such marriage, or furthering their solemnisations in church. This counsel may appear to some people to be unreasonable, knowing as we do that there are many good Christian men who believe that these marriages now sanctioned by the law of the land are also compatible with what they regard as a true interpretation of the Holy Scripture, and even of the Early Church respecting marriage. I shall he ready in due time to explain reasons which make me believe in the wisdom and propriety of the course which I recommend. The present letter is intended to give merely such preliminary and general guidance as the clergy may rightly expect in the event of their now receiving such requests. I deplore, on national as well as on religious grounds, the passing of this Bill. I have expressed my objection fully in Parliament, and we have, I hope, relieved the clergy from the unfair compulsion which at one time appeared to be threatened.”