THE ATHANASIAN CREED.

Shannon News, 4 August 1925, Page 3

THE ATHANASIAN CREED.

LAWMEN REMOVE DAMNATORY WORDS. The British House of Laity of (he Church of England resumed consideration of the Revised Prayer Book at Westminster recently, Mr. C. Marston, Lichfield, proposed to leave out (Tim the Atlianasian Creed the words /‘which faith, excep,' a man keep whole and undefiled, without doubt he will perish everlastingly. He said he wanted to take out of it the most terrible sentence which hr believed had ever appeared in all history. And 1 his hi a book which pretends to supply the gospel of salvation of sinners.

He was only proposing to do in spiritual matters what had already been done in earthly matters. They no longer sent earthly heretics to the (lames of Smithtield, why were they consigning them to far worse flames? Mr. J. T. Sohen (London 1 * seconded. Sir Edward Cuirke, K.C., said the Atlianasian Creed, had spoiled the happiness of services for him on the great festivals of the Church for years and years.

“I have never said it,” he added, ‘‘and would never dream of saying it. It has been a distress io me to hear choirs singing at the top of tlioir voices these aw.ful words, which I do not believe, and which I am sure ought not to be in our service.” Sir Robert Williams said he thought il was quite time the laity made their protest against the use of these damnatory clauses. Mr. Marston’s proposal was carried, but the question will come again before the Houpe for final approval. The House adjourned. The present Prayer Book version reads: “They that have done good shall go into life ever lasting; and (hey that have done evil into ex rerlasting fire. This is the Catholic Faith: which except, a man believe faithfully he cannot be saved.”