SYNOD REFORM

Gisborne Times, Volume LXXXIV, Issue 12902, 1 July 1936, Page 8

SYNOD REFORM

ADVOCATED BY REV. J. M. BEA UFORT. BORING AND LIFELESS GATHERINGS. (Press Association). HAMILTON. June 30. Criticism of some of the subjects considered by the New Zealand Anglican Synod when more vital matters were worthy of consideration was voiced by the Rev. J. M. Beaufort, joint headmaster of St. Peter’s School, Cambridge, when addressing the Waikato Diocesan Synod last evening. “How extraordinarily boring and lifeless our synods can be, and not- infrequently are,” Mr. Beaufort declared. “We know that much) of our time wilf be spent in discussing bills and statutes dealing with the sale or transfer of plots of land, which could capably be handled” by the standing committee. A great deal of time and patience is also exhausted by lengthy debates on subjects which properly belong to the realm of polities.” Mr. Beaufort .saitli the church had been wisely advised not to bo a supporter of any one political party. The clergy, quite naturally, held very definite political views, but wa,s there any need, he asked, to while away the time of the 'synod, in these debates, or to pass resolutions which would pass into oblivion almost immediately they were propounded? Very few; of the clergy bad either the time or the special qualifications to give reasoned and reasonable pronouncements upon these problems. Mr. Beaufort, concluded by appealing to the clerical members and the lady to be pioneers in a- reformation of the synod. In the absence of Bishop Chenington, wlio is visiting England to raise funds for debt-burdened parishes i.ll the diocese, the Vicar-General, Archdeacon G. If. Bavin, of New Plymouth. delivered the charge, stte’ssing the importance of the printed page and tract in advancing the work of the church. the synod continued to-day and will conclude to-morrow.