CHURCH DISPUTE

Dominion, Volume 27, Issue 187, 7 May 1934, Page 3

CHURCH DISPUTE

Statement by Rev. G. G. Bell By Telegraph.—Press Association. Cambridge, May 5. In an interview regarding Sunday services, the Rev. G. G. Bell i :ys:— “I have said that I shall continue to act as Vicar of Cambridge unless forcibly prevented, and I adhere to this determination. After all, I have the honour of priesthood to maintain, and I will not in any circumstances, if I can possibly avoid it, be made a party to any unseemly happening in the church. For the avoidance of all unseemliness, but without prejudice to the claim that I am still Vicar of Cambridge, I shall not attempt to conduct services at any times at which services may be arranged by the Bishop. However, having given due warning to all concerned of the possibility '< the legality of the whole of the recent proceedings being called in question, I shall myself attempt to hold services at other times. It will remain to be seen whether or not any attempt 's made forcibly to prevent my so doing. “On Sunday next I shall content myself with celebrating Holy Communion in St. Andrew’s Church at 7 a.m. I shall possibly say my offices in the church privately during the day. In addition to this one public service, I shall also arrange for the instruction of children as usual at 10 a.m.” Regarding his claim th: be is still Vicar of Cambridge, Mr. Bell says that reference to the Standing Commission of the question of interpretation of the parish statute of the Synod of the Diocese of Waikato having reference Io the convening of meetings of parishioners will decide the point very quickly, or at least, within the course of a few weeks.