THE PRIEST’S DUTY.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVII, 4 May 1928, Page 9

THE PRIEST’S DUTY.

REPLY TO LAY PROTESTS. WAIKATO DIOCESE DISPUTE. The church, dispute in Waikato was referred to by Dean Barnett in a sermon at St. Peter’s Cathedral, Hamilton, on Sunday night. “If 1 thought my ministry here meant that 1 must give parishioners what they want or don’t want, I would not stay here another five minutes,” declared the Dean. Who, he asked, were- th© congregation to say what should- and what should not he worn at services ? Who were they to bring forward ignorant and narrowminded prejudices P Everyone should have a searchlight turned on their lives so that it could be seen how they were in God’s sight. “The responsibility of all bishops and priests is terrific)” continued the Dean. “Peopledo not realise it. We hear the clergy criticised as though they were partners in a. business concern- to he -dictated to by people concerning their likes and dislikes. If I thought- that was- all my ministry meant, I say quite frankly and fairly I. would not stay here another five minutes. I am her as a -priest in the Church of God to represetn to you Jesus Christ.” All the services of the Church, said Dean Barnett, centred in the- breaking of bread and the blessing of the cup. This principle was the voice of the Church of England 375 years ago, and it had not changed. It was part of the services, ancl it could not be ousted. Even if the teaching of such truths led to persecution, it was the priest’s duty to carry on unto death. “I sometimes think,” he went on, “that- it would he a good tiling if the clergy were persecuted again as in the days of the Reformation. It would show lay people- that we shall continue to preach the- truths of the Church unflinchingly.” The- Dean said he had been vicar of flic parish for one year, and it had been a very troublous one. ±le had had in that time no real opportunity to advance the fruits of his experience through improved and holier Kerri cos. “When the opportunitv comes to-morrow night to elect a body of laymen who will stand behind me in the- development of the Church’s- work in this very important town.” he said, “I ask you to give me men who will support mo loyal! v and who will help me to realise those ideals that I am responsible- for trying to carry out, so that all can understand and aprrreciate them. Jf I fail the responsibility is mine and mine alone.”