ATTITUDE ON PRAYER BOOK

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 233, 21 December 1927, Page 1

ATTITUDE ON PRAYER BOOK

“MORE IMPRESSIONABLE THAN SCHOOLBOYS”

THE Earl of Birkenhead, entering with vigour the Prayer Book controversy, rebukes the House of Commons, saying the members were influenced by speeches that should not have influenced a schoolboys’ debate.

Bp Cable.—Press Association. — Copyright. Reed. 9.5 a.m. LONDON, Tuesday.

TN connection with the Prayer* Book controversy, the Earl of Birkenhead writes:

“The bishops cannot take disciplinary measures regarding the "matters which the new book sanctions, therefore the Commoners’ hysterical decision under the influence of the crudest no-Popery speeches, which ought not to have influenced a schoolboys’ debate, has already perished stillborn. Instead of destroying the book, it has given it a force greater than if it had been accepted. Every clergyman can with impunity employ the book, and will, in my judgment, be wise in so doing.” 1 INTERIM STATEMENT

"The Times’’ says the political majority of the bishops present at the Lambeth Conference received many communications chiefly in urging the ruling out of disestablishment and non-interference with the balance of the book, although it is suggested that the book might be made clearer on oertain points. It is also suggested that the prayer for the King should be made obligatory at the morning service.

The seriousness of the issues probably precludes anything but an interim statement before Christmas. The bishops later will give a clear exposition of their aims, sbowing the necessity for the book to preserve unity.— Times.