CHURCH’S CRITICISM

Taranaki Central Press, Volume IV, Issue 309, 15 December 1936, Page 5

CHURCH’S CRITICISM

Many Divines Attack Action Of Ex-King.

Press Association—Copyright. London, December 13. During a religious service from the Et-oadcasting Corporation’s ha|l the Archbishop of Canterbury emphasised that no strife and no party clashes attended a week of bewilderment, which was wonderful proof of the stability of the Throne and the steadiness of .the people.' ; ' He drew attention to the coincidence In connection with December 11, on which day James 11. fled from 'Whitehall and Edward left Windsor Castle in exile in darkness after telling his motive, with characteristic frankness.

It was sad that for such a motive he abandoned a trust so great and sought happiness in a j manner inconsistent with Chris’■i , - 1 , tian principles—marriage within , a socal circle whose standards and ways of life were alien to all the best traditions of his people. ’ The members of that circle stood rebuked by the judgment of the nation. « “We, remembering the high hopes of hia youth and his eager service, commit him to God’s infinite mercy ‘wherever he may be,” ailed the Archbishop. “The King has gone; God be with him. A King has come; God bless him and guide him now and for ever?’ The Archbishop concluded by announcing that he would broadcast to 'the nation on December '"27 a solemn recall to the people .to religion. Dr. Carpenter, ,Dean of Exeter, said the Church was relieved at the happy passing of a scandal which would have cheapened the Coronation, poisoned its sacredness, robbed cities and villages of ' the simple happiness with which they would have greeted it and endangered the establishment which might not have gone down the abyss alone.

The Bishop of Bradford asked Ilkley congregations to say special prayers for the King and the Empire. He expressed, regret at Edward’s decision and added thaX all sympathised with him in the starkness of his alternatives. His choice had clearly, been made from the first and was never altered.

Most of the views expressed in important pulpits of all denominations in tlje United States were that Edward should have chosen the Throne I rather than Mrs Simpson, says a New York message. Most registered satisfaction at the public demonstration J that divorce was still a disability. ,

Bishop Manning in the Cathedral of Saint John the Divine criticised Edward and added: “We say to our brethren in Britain they have our understanding and sympathy aa well as our deep admiration for the way in which they met a crisis unprecedented in history.”