VICARS DEFY BISHOP

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 728, 30 July 1929, Page 9

VICARS DEFY BISHOP

DR. INGRAM SEGREGATES CLERGYMEN STRONG PROTESTS MADE (United Service) LONDON, Sunday. The “Daily News” says it learns that the Bishop of London, Dr. A. F. Winningtou Ingram, has segregated two Anglo-Catholic clergymen because of their attitude toward the devotions connected with the reservation of the sacrament. They are the Rev. R. B. Abell, vicar of Saints Peter and Paul, Teddington, and the Rev. J. E. Watson, vicar of St. Albans, Fulham, whose churches were reported to the Royal Commission on Ecclesiastical Discipline in July, 1906. The two clergymen are among the 21 in London who have refused to obey the bishop’s directions. Their segregation, which is similar to the action of the Bishop of Birmingham in the same circumstances, does not stop their services, but the bishop will not visit either church. Therefore confirmation there will he impossible; also the diocesan grants will cease. However, it is presumed that the Anglo-Catholies will supply all financial deficiencies. The 21 clergy concerned have strongly protested against the bishop’s alleged partiality. They say; “We do not see how, in some churches where the devotions are only insignificantly changed, your directions are being observed, especially in those where the ministers bow to the sacrament and sing the words of praise.”