Note and Comment

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Feb 14, 1907

While the report of the Royal Commission on the matter of the illegality of present practises of the Church of England is still hanging over the Anglican Church, a hymnal has been published which is adding fuel to the flames of the controversy. The Archbishop of Canterbury and seven of the bishops of the Anglican Church are using their influence against the new hymnal, and in some instances have prohibited its use. Their reason is that sacerdotalism and the worship of Mary are so flagrant that “no one respecting the teaching of Scripture or the content of the Book of Common Prayer can tolerate their use in the Church of England.” On the other hand, the “Catholic party” in that church declares that to give up the use of these hymns and the hymnal would “weaken the defense of Catholic doctrine in regard to the eucharist and the faithful departed.” The “Catholic party” inside the Church of England will not give up without a struggle the ground it has won in its effort to turn the Church of England over to the domination of the Church of Rome. The report of the Royal Commission of investigation into the present rituals of the church indicates that the “Catholic party” has been gaining ground rapidly in the matter of introducing Roman rituals into the Anglican Church services. No action has yet been taken upon the report of the Royal Commission. This lack of action would indicate that the government has found so large a task in the matter that it will move slowly and cautiously — if at all.