THE "CHALLENGE TO THE REFORMATION" MEETING
[To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.] SIR,—The "Challenge to the Reformation" Meeting, held in the Albert Hall last week, deserves more than a passing notice. First, because it is an indication that the drift from organized religion is neither as universal nor as deep-seated as is some- times supposed. There are sections of society which are =- touched by it, and, such as it is, it appears to be a reaction not against religion, but against certain inadmissible presentations of religion. Secondly, because it was not confined to Churchmen in the denominational sense of the word. "The cause of the Church of England is included in that of religion, not that of religion in the Church of England," is Burke's memorable phrase ; the affairs of the National Church are the nation's concern. Thirdly, because it shows that English Protest- antism is far from being the mere survival that some think it ; the instinctive response of the audience when the Reformation note was struck by the speakers was significant in the extreme. The meeting was crowded and enthusiastic, the number of men and of young people of both sexes present being remark- able. The Home Secretary was in the chair. In no other country in Europe could a man in his official position have presided over such an assembly ; religion is still a force in English life. The reception given to Bishop Knox will not soon be forgotten by those who witnessed it ; here the meeting let itself go. Otherwise its temper was one of restraint ; there was neither denunciation nor emotionalism. What impressed one was a certain grave seriousness : here, one felt, were men and women who were in earnest, and with whom no wise Church would trifle. Mostly, it seemed, of that educated middle class which more than any other represents public opinion in England and which is accustomed to have the last Word in public affairs.
No one has ever claimed that the Prayer Book is incapable Of improvement, or doubted that circumstances might arise under which its revision might be taken in hand. But the question is—Are the changes which are proposed improve- ments? And—Are the present circumstances of the Church such as to make revision prudent or possible ? To quote Burke again : "The ground for a legislative alteration of a legal establishment is this, and this only : that you find that the inclinations of the majority of the people, concurring with your own sense of the intolerable nature Of the abuse, are in favour of a change." In the present case these condi- tions are not verified. The Albert Hall Meeting confirms the view expressed by the Bishop of Gloucester, that " the thing to remember is that the greater part of the laity do not really desire any change." If this be so, there is no sufficient reason
for Revision ; and the Communion Service in particular, like the , Camarina of the oracle, is "better unmoved."—I am, Sir, &c., ALFRED FAWKES. Ashby St. Ledgers, June 4t1t.
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