SYNOD SEEKS MORE FOR MISSIONS

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 32114, 9 October 1969, Page 18

SYNOD SEEKS MORE FOR MISSIONS

A fundamental part of the Christian faith was concern for fellow men both at home and overseas, Mr A. B. Harman (Fendalton) told the annual synod of the Diocese of Christchurch last evening. He was speaking to a motion passed by the synod, urging all parishes and parochial and mission districts to endeavour to raise more for their mission quotas in view of the effects of devaluation on the purchasing power of the New Zealand dollar. Mr Harman said that overseas missions should be helped not because of any political advantage New Zealand might subsequently gain, but because the people in these missions were people in need.

The Bishop of VictoriaNyanza (the Rt Rev. M. L. Wiggins) urged the strategic use of resources. Care should be taken that what was supplied from the home church really meant the advance of mission and not just maintenance.

In a report from the diocesan missionary council received by synod, the chairman (the Rev. J. D. Froud) said that in the last year giving amounted to $50,022, an increase of $2996 compared with the previous year, but $2OOO less than that promised to the Anglican board of missions. For the coming year this promise had been reduced to $51,000. Canon Froud said that in the year to June 30, 26 parishes gave more than their quota, 14 parishes gave their quota and 30 parishes gave less than their quota. Earlier yesterday the synod agreed to provide $BO2O in the next two years to meet mutual responsibility and inter-dependence projects submitted by the New Zealand Anglican board of missions.

Projects which will be supported in the coming year include $2OOO for a church hall in Thika under the auspices of the Church Missionary Society, $9OO for a motor-launch for the Solomon Islands, in the Melanesian Diocese, $550 for support for indigenous

clergy in Polynesia and $550 for a new diocese in West Malaysia. In the year 1970-71, $1260 will be given to the new diocese in West Malaysia, $llOO for work in Melanesia, $llOO for St John’s College, Suva, and $550 for support for indigenous clergy in Polynesia.