Prayer Book Crisis

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 272, 7 February 1928, Page 13

Prayer Book Crisis

CHURCH ASSEMBLY SITS A DIFFICULT SESSION f.j ca*<f- Prtsi J.»sociation.—Copyright. peed. 11 a.ro. LONDON, Monday. The Archbishop of Canterbury j( presiding at the critical session of the Church Assembly, reconsidering the Prayer Book. The Archbishop said the House of chops’ had introduced the amended measure believing that it was the mbodiment of all the considerations !übmltted to it by the three Houses . Ag gembly. As it was endeavouring i°o meet the desires of all groups tV ! House of Bishops would carefully consider any amendments from the House* of Clergy or Laity. * H* hoped no ill-considered word would strengthen those who, because the skein was tangled, would ruthlessly cut something. It was a characteristic of England's life, telling throughout the centuries, for public Ipirit to reverence truth. —A. and N.Z. dangers ahead Lord Hugh Cecil was greeted with jheera when he said: "A substantial change in the measure would turn me end many supporters into violent opponents. because we did not anticipate that revision would provide benefits balancing the extreme mischief of accepting from Parliament a substantial change regarding the ministry of the Word of Sacrament. Toleration should be extended to those feeling passionately that the Church and not Parliament must determine the strictly spiritual things in relation to tho SacramfnL Th«* State was not the minister of diviit purpose for this.” Voices: Why not? Lord Cecil: Because it has not been given them from on high. Lord Cecil added that important modification of the measure would render the whole enterprise futile. Amendment could not be enforced by appeal ing to the people's conscience to obey the Church, if they were asked to obey the House of Commons. What High Churchmen would obey the House of Commons? The position of the upholders of the old Prayer Book was untouched. Voices: No. Lord Cecil: "The clergy at any rate are not affected.” (Renewed "Noes.”) Lord Cecil: “We can only carry opinion with us if the bishops, clergy nnd laity are seen to be acting freely and independenlty.’ ’ The Assembly adjourned. The three Houses are to sit separately on February 7 to consider approving the proposals.—A. and N.Z.-Sun.