CHURCH SYNOD.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVII, 4 July 1928, Page 7

CHURCH SYNOD.

WAIKATO DIOCESE

(By Telegraph—Press Association.)

HAMILTON, July 3

The question whether a certain petition should be read before Synod or a special sub-committee was raised at the Waikato Synod this afternoon. Mr D. Hay, of Hamilton, asked permission to discuss it in camera.

Bishop Cherringtoii replied that he welcomed the fullest and freest discussion of the matter.

A member pointed out, 'that if the petition concerned a purely parochial the Synod should not deal with "it. Mr Hay said 'the 'petition was of vital importance to the diocese and should be read in committee.

Archdeacon Evans (New Plymouth) said members would be placing his Lordship in an invidious position if they asked him to decide. If the mat. ter was personal or c'ontcntious it would be 'better for a special committee to report upon it, to Synod. Mr Connolly (To Aretha) thought Synod was the proper 'place in which to discuss the matter and not in the newspapers. “'lf the matter is of great importance to the diocese it should come before Synod,’’ said Mr Swafbriek (Te Awamutu). The 'matter was deferred, Mr Ray being given permission to raise it later in the evening. Is it legal for clergymen to wear cassocks during the sessions of iSynod? This question was raised at the opening of Synod by the Rev. G. C. Stevenson (Qhura), who moved that in the opinion of Synod it is not desirable ' to wear cassocks in Synod. Archdeacon Cowie explained that the Archbishop had asked for Synodsmen to wear gowns. 'Bishop Oherringfon did not command them to, but had asked them to wear cassocks. “It seems to me absolutely wanting in courtesy 'to raise this point,’’ he added. “We shall continue to wear them.’’ The Bishop ruled the motion out of order.

“Is your wish to ibe a mandate over us all,’’ asked Mr 'Stevenson. “I have reasons for claiming this and demand the right to move this motion.’’ There was no reply from the chair nild the motion lapsed. The amended boundaries of the dioceses of 'Waikato, Waiapu and Wellington were approved. Notice of motion was given by Mr E. W. M. Lvsons (New Plymouth) that Synod expresses appreciation of the services of the Rev. F. G. Harvieregrets that he has left the diocese and also will pay his expenses of removal. STIPENDS OF CLERGY. A LIVING WAGE ASKED FOR.

At the. nooning of the Synod of the Waikato Diocose to-day. Bishop Cherrington, in his charge, championed the oaufic of the clergy. He said : “V e have certainly made a beginning of what 1 pointed out last year was m my opinion necessary and parishes have ventured to secure the services of other clergy than the vicar. We have not yet nearly enough assistant clergy. There arc still half a, dozen parishes which, .should have more clergy if the work is to lx done properly and if funds were a-vajl-abie. Wo have also started to divide pom’ of our unweildy and imposts, ble parochial districts. It is the business of the standing committee to undertake this work and 1 hope this year it will push' on with this business. “One of the most important matters, however, has. not been grappled with. I refer to raising the stipends of the clergy. The minimum I asked for lasi year was £350 and that is the minim im at which we. ought to aim. I wonrlei that some of the congregations do not insist on this most essential improve merit. The clergy in this, diocese air? the most self-denying and uncomplaining men of our profession, y Most ol them would probably earn in othei walks of life douh'e and treble wuat they an? earning now. If T may span! on their behalf without presumption, ii is not luxury we ask. but a living wage. I do not k consider in this country less than £350 is a living wage. The church has no right to bask for e\or in the sunshine of the liberality of the clergy. It is a well-known fact that at least one-third of the money given tf the church in the Old Country comes out of tile clergy’s pocket*. They give because they love tin? Master’s c-a. se. because they sec the need and been•..»«* they consider they should lead tlj? way in the duty of almsgiving that they teach.”