32 Harlington Grove, Cambridge. G. CYRIL ARMSTRONG. SIR,—Your corresponderit, Mr.
Carman, takes exception to what he calls Anglo-Catholics' " official attitude towards the reunion of Christendom," and asserts that they " stand exposed as Pharisees." May I point out that Anglo-Catholics have been more-active than any others in promoting the observance of the Week of Prayer for unity in January of each -year; and that in so far as the -phrase " official attitude" conveys any meaning, this attitude as regards,.the Free Churches may be found in the Grarcb Union publication Co-operation with Nonconformists. They feel bound to hold aloof from joint acts of worship which-can only be justified by equating all groups of Christians as " the Churches," but it is grossly unfair to suggest that they fail in penance for the share of responsibility for disunion which attaches to them. For the sins of our forefathers, whether Anglican, Roman Catholics or Nonconformists, we may well make acts of reparation, but can hardly be held personally responsible.
The truth is much more to the credit of Anglo-Catholics than your correspondent allows ; it is that they are convinced that reunion schemes and movements must have behind them solid agreement and sound theology ; that no good can come of ignoring essential differences ; and that any step towards partial reunion must tend towards the ultimate reunion of all Christians, Roman, Orthodox, Anglican and Protestant, according to the will of God.
Had Mr. Carman given this point of view more sympathetic considera- tion, he might have written more charitably.—Yours faithfully,
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