AN ANGLICAN SISTERHOOD. DISCUSSION AT THE AUCKLAND SYNOD.

Evening Post, Volume LXVIII, Issue 96, 20 October 1904, Page 5

AN ANGLICAN SISTERHOOD. DISCUSSION AT THE AUCKLAND SYNOD.

[BY TELEGRAPH — PRESS ASSOCIATION.] AUCKLAND, This Day. A warm discussion took place at the Anglican Synod yesterday regarding an alteration in the constitution of what is known as the Order of the Good Shepherd. Mr. Speight, in 'moving a resolution expressing the Synod's disapproval of any religious order which enforces vows of celibacy, surrender of income, and undue submission to superior directors, urged that the constitution of the proposed order was a step in the direction of Romanism, and that there had been want of frankness in the matter, the Cathedral Chapter having acted without the knowledge of the Synod. Cation Mac Murray and Mr. Upton denied that there had been any want of openness in che matter, Mr. Upton stating that the women forming the order had themselves asked for the constitution, and that their suggestions had been considerably modified by the Chapter. The society, he said, was an innocent and a useful one. It was also stated lhat a member of fhe order could resign at any time on giving notice. After further- discussion, Mr. Speight suggested that the Synod should adopt in place of his motion the following:—"That the Chapter be requested to reconsider the constitution of the order and present the same for approval at the next Synod ; no change in the present rules of the society to be made." The Bishop said he was not going to administer life vows in a sisterhood, and he defended the action of himself and the Chapter in the matter.