AN EXTRAORDINARY PETITION.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2825, 14 April 1882, Page 3

AN EXTRAORDINARY PETITION.

A certain clergyman of the church of England has addressed a most singular memorial to his spiritual chief, the Archbishop of Canterbury. It appears from this that he is anxious to revive the ancient and scriptural custom of concubinagej which he regards as a “lower form of marriage.” Into this state he, it appears, entered some five years ago with a lady who was witling to try the doubtful experiment. I must do the pair the justice that they were perfectly open and above-hoard in their proceedings, supporting them by appeals to Scripture and the ancient church, by the canons of which, it seems, concubinage was not actually forbidden! These views the reverend delinquent and his co-partner have set forth in a hook; and, further, at the commencement of their cohabitation, fully informed the Bishop of London what they were doing. His Lordship, by way of reply, forbad the priest to approach' the communion table, and also forbad his ministering in any function whatever. Since these events this singular couple have got regularly married, and now they have petitioned the Archbishop to he allowed the benefits of the Christian ordinances, and the man desires to enter again on the duties of his sacred calling.