The Archbishops, who jointly sign the statement, point out that
though it was within the right of the House of Commons to reject the Measure mere acquiescence in that decision would be inconsistent with the responsibilities of the Church as a spiritual society. "The Bishops fully recognize that there are circumstances in which it would be their duty to take action in accordance with the Church's inherent spiritual authority. We realize this duty and are ready, if need be, to fulfil it. But we believe that the recent decision of the House of Commons was influenced by certain avoidable misunderstandings, and we cannot therefore take the responsibility of accepting as final the vote of December 15th." This leads up to the general announcement that the House of Bishops are resolved to ask the Church Assembly to make such changes "and such changes only" as may tend to remove misapprehensions and then to submit the Measure again to Parliament.
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