[To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.]
Siu,—In a note in your March 19th issue you criticize the Papacy—somewhat mildly, it is true—for reluctance to agree to a fixed Easter unless an Ecumenical Council decides on the matter. I have no brief for the Holy See, but I would suggest that on this matter its attitude is correct.
The date of Easter was settled by the Ecumenical Council of Nicaea in A.D. 325, after a protracted and bitter controversy involving all the Churches, Eastern and Western. Thus it would seem but logical that, if a change is made, such change should be by the same authority as that which made the original arrangement—namely, an Ecumenical Council. Furthermore, a change of this kind would affect all the Churches in communion with Rome, in all parts of the world. It would seem but fair, then, that such change, if made, should be made by the Bishops representing such Churches, properly assembled together, and not by a mere arbitrary decree from Papal hcadquarters.—I am, Sir, &c.,
Ilighbury, N.5.
J. W. POYNTER.
Previous page
