LAMBETH CONFERENCE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXX, Issue 423, 13 August 1908, Page 4

LAMBETH CONFERENCE.

Archbishop’s Encyclical. London, August 8. The Archbishop of Canterbury has issued an Encyclical letter as the outcome of the Lambeth Conference of bishops representing the whole Anglican Communion. Referring to the question of the Christian faith in relation to modern thought, the Encyclical reaffirms the doctrines of the Trinity, the Incarnation, and the historic creeds, and expresses the opinion that materialism does not possess the strength and attractiveness it once did.

The letter urges that schoolmasters and university teachers should remember the pastoral aspect of their offices, and protests against any system of education which does not fashion the child’s character in the faith and fear of God, It insists on the teaching of the Scriptures as the basis of such work. The anointing of the sick is not recommended as a rite of the Church, but the practice is not forbidden. FAMILY LIFE. Referring to marriage problems the Encyclical deplores the terrible increase of facilities for divorce, and the bishops reaffirm, by 87 votes to 84, the principles regarding divorce adopted by the Lambeth Conference in 1888. The bishops make no general declaration in reference to marriage with a deceased wife’s sister. The Encyclical laments the widespread prevalence of artificial avoidance alid prevention of child-bearing. While recognising the imperative necessity of effective visible co-operation among Christian workers, the Encyclical indicates the remoteness rather than nearness of the corporate reunion of the churches of divided Christendom ; nevertheless some lines of definite practical approach are indicated the Encyclical stating “we must constantly desire not compromise, but comprehension; not uniformity, but unity.” HOW TO APPROACH REUNION. The Conference considers it might be possible to make an approach for the reunion of the Anglican and Presbyterian or other non-episcopalian church, and recommends that bishops be permitted to assist at the. consecration of bishops of the Moravian Brethren.

The Conference directs the Archbishop of Canterbury to appoint a committee to improve the methods of instruction in Sunday Schools. Local churches are autorised to adopt native forms of marriage, if not polygamous. The abolition of redundant rubrics to avoid repetition is recommended ; also the enrichment of the forms of service and worship, and also the use of alternative forms of worship. The retranslation of the Athanasian Creed is advocated, leaving the various churches to decide for themselves as to its use. The change of obscure words in the Book of Common Prayer and. the revision of the calender and the tables of lessons is recommended. The bishops do not consider that it is desirable to change the manner of administering the Holy Communion, and declare that bread and wine alone are sanctioned. relations with other CHUCHES. They favour the strengthening: of relations with the ancient Dutck Church and the Old Catholic Church, especially in Germany,, Switzerland, and Austria, and recommend the appointment of a committee to deal with relations to the Orthodox Churches of the East on various points, including, the permission to communicate. The bishops warn their people against marrying Roman Catholics.

They advise that the social j sion and social principles of Christi- I anity should have a more promi- i nent place in the study and ) teaching of the Church both for | the clergy and laity. '

The Church of Australia and Tasmania is allotted one member on the reconstituted Central Consultative Board, and the Church of New Zealand is also given one member.