Comment By Torchlight

Drift Romewards?

On December 31st last it was announced that the Anglican-Roman-Catholic International Commission had reached agreement on the "Doctrine of the Eucharist". Eighteen leading theologians, members of the official commission, spent two years thrashing out their differences, and their findings were issued with the consent of the Archbishop of Canterbury for discussion by the two Churches.

The event received widespread publicity in the secular Press. Both Roman Catholic and Anglican theologians have described the agreement as "the most important statement since the Reformation". Commenting on the statement in the Daily Telegraph, Dr Cecil Northcott said, "It brings Canterbury and Rome closer together than at any time since the Reformation". Another national newspaper forecast "a major church row" over the agreement. A further comment was that the leaders of the two Churches can now turn their attention to the next crucial Anglo-Roman Catholic unity question: How far can each Church go in recognizing the other's Holy Orders?

The Commission's Statement will, no doubt, be the cause of much searching of heart among those born-again believers in the Church of England who are already deeply disturbed at the drift Romewards. The co-chairman of the Commission has denied that Anglicans were being asked to accept Transubstantiation. But that depends on the interpretation of these clauses in the statement, "the sacramental body and blood of the Saviour are present as an offering to the believer awaiting welcome. When this offering is met by faith, a life-giving encounter results.... The elements are not mere signs; Christ's body and blood become really present and are really given.... The bread and wine become the body and blood of Christ by the action of the Holy Spirit so that in the communion we eat the flesh of Christ and drink His blood". That sounds suspiciously like the dogma of Transubstantiation which is described in the Anglican Prayer Book as "repugnant to the words of Scripture". The Commission considers that this fresh approach "is consonant with Biblical teaching and with the tradition of our common inheritance" (italics ours).

If this development gives concern to those who treasure the principles of the Reformation, it gives encouragement to others who labour in the cause of ecumenism. They will see it as a further step along the road to the reunion of Christendom. The agreement shows that although the ecumenical trumpets have not been sounding so loudly during the last year or so, substantial foundational work has been going on behind the scenes. It is a further indication of the strength of the ecumenical movement and yet another warning of the decline of evangelical influence in the Church of England.

Last month, in the opening article in the series Departure from the Faith, we emphasized that Scripture is the sole authoritative basis for Christian doctrine. The dogma of Transubstantiation-that the bread, and wine used in the service actually become the body and blood of Christ-is not based on Scripture or on apostolic practice. We hope, if the Lord will, in a later article in the series referred to above, to include a short study of the dogma and its historical development. Meanwhile, we note here the ominous drift from Scripture authority, to ritualism on the one hand and to rationalism on the other. But God's Word stands

"Firm as a rock amid the seething waves,

Against it vainly man or demon raves.

Each futile blow but proves how well 'tis based,

And shows the Christian's trust is not misplaced."

Northern Ireland

The long drawn-out ordeal of this troubled province is a daily burden on the hearts of Christians throughout the world. Those of us who live in comparative peace and quiet must persevere in earnest supplication for a peaceful solution of this baffling problem. May it be, in the mercy of God, that during this time of travail many may turn to Christ for salvation. We hear that in spite of prevailing conditions the preaching of the gospel continues unabated. "The word of God is not bound", it brings life and liberty from the bondage of sin, a region where human politics are irrelevant.

unknown | Feb 1972
Comment By Torchlight