Daily union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1865-1866, 1866-03-04
THE so CALLED ROMANIZING MOVE.
MENT IN THE ENGLISH CHURCH.


Important Communication from the Archbishop
of Canterbury-He is opposed to Government
Interference.
On the 18th of this month memorial was
presented to the Archbishop of Canterbury,
(Primate of all England setting forth that
the question of certain ritualistic Observances
and the use of peculiar vestments during
divine service in the Church of England has
become topic of great public interest, and
is now being discussed with such growing
intensity that the peace Of the church and Of
the nation is seriously engendered. The
memorialists also submitted that the disor-
ders which are now prevalent in many
parishes, call loudly for the interference Of
Her Majesty's Government, with view to
the removal of the occasion Of contention,
and to that end they suggested that the
most successful agency for the purpose would
be found in Royal Commission.
To this new commission, in the opinion Of
the memorialists, should be referred not only
to the rubrics but also the caRons and con-
situations and occasional services; for hold
ing that action being now clearly inevitable,
they think it would be cause of regret
should the force oft become expended upon
minor subjects, such as vestments or candle
sticks, or some peculiar systems ofritual and
ministration, while passing by matters more
essential TO the peace and stability of the
Church. That few verbal alterations, or
the omission of a few phrases, in the
occasional services, which need in no way
contravene the articles Of the faith, would,
the memorialists think, obviate very much
the immense amount Of nonconformity now
existent II, the realm, as well as give ease to
the consciences Of many within the Church's
pale The following is
THE ARcHBIsHoP's FEPLY.
My Lords, my Rev. Brethren and Chris
tian Friends On the topic with which your
address opens-the introduction of certain
ritualistic observances and The use Of pecu-
liar vestments--I have recently, and i trust
with sufficient explieitness, declared my
sentiments. Nor are you probably altogether
ignorant Of my views on the subject Of
liturgical revision. 1t may, however, be
well that should take this opportunity Of
explaining them more fully. You ask me
TO advise Her Majesty to appoint another
ROYAL Commission to carry out revision of
the Book Of Common Prayer similar 10
that which was charged two years since
with the consideration Of the terms of clerical
subscription but the cases are widely differ
ent. In conserving TO the appointment Of
Royal Commission for the latter purpose,
was persuaded that / was acting in con-
formity with the feelings and opinions Of the
great body Of the clergy az well IA the lay
members of cur Church, and the result
justified my belief But were ! to aecede
to your present wishes, am certain that i
should be aHronting the convictions aRd dis
appointing the expectations Of an over
whelming majority Of both. Surprising,
however, that were to yield TO your solicit
tations, and recommend a new commission
for revision Of the Liturgy, yoc could
hardly hope 70 have your own undisputed
way in lis counsels.