DIOCESAN SYNOD.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LX, Issue 7050, 3 October 1883, Page 6

DIOCESAN SYNOD.

The first session of the thirteenth Synod of the Diocese of Christchurch woo opened at half-past two o’clock yesterday afternoon in Christ’# College Library, the Most Bev tbo Primate presiding. The roll was called by the Rev F. Knowles. The following members were present

Clergy.—The Very Rev the Dean of Christchurch, Ten Archdeacon Dudley, Ven Archdeacon Harper, Yen Archdeacon Hams, Rev Canon Cotlcriil, Bev Canon Oholmondeloy, B.’v Canon Stanford, Revs W. 8. Bean, 0. Bowm, I*. 0. Brady, L. L. Brown, J. Chaffers- Welsh, R. K. Chambers, 0. Coates, H. B, Corks, A. Davidson, H. E. Hast, W. H. Elton, I. Slavell, W. Ballatcbic, B. Glosson, O. I?- Gossett, T. A. Hamilton, S. Hamilton, W. Harper, F. Knowles, W. P. Knowles, K A. Lingard, B. A. Mortimer, E, B. Otway, J. Sheldon, J. Townsend, A. 0. Wright, H. While, E.G. Gould. Lflitv.—Hon J. B. A. Acland, M*jor Bamfield, Messrs W. F. Beatson, W. P. Oowlishaw, Bridges, Professor Cook, A. Cox, W. O. Fendull, I. Gordon, Hon H. B. Qresson, J. Grigg, W J. W. Hamilton, W. H. Hargreaves, L. Harper, H. P. Hill, F. do 0. Malot, T. WMaude, G. Mayo, G. MTntyre, W. Miles, J. W. Orerlou, J. E. Parker, W. Parkcreon, F. G, S ted man, H. J. Tanored, T. 8. Weston, C. Whitefoord, W. H. Lane. E. Mulcook, A, Bote. E. Williams, 0. C. Graham. The Primate declared the Synod duly constituted, and opened the proceedings with prayrr. OPENIKQ ADDBES3. Tho Primoto then delivered the following opening address: Mt KKTBBBND IiSKTHKBS AJf» BRBTHEEK or the Laity — It mav be expedient that I should direct tout attention to the amendments made in some of the Statutes of tho General Synod during its recent session, which have rendered necessary corresponding amendments in our diocesan legislation. In italuto No. 1, all reference to a certified list of licensed clergymen to be annually revised has been struck out, and the clause now stands— “ Every clergyman holding tho Bishop’s license shall be entitled to vote at the election of clerical representatives.” The first clause therefore of Statute No. 3 of this diocese will have to bo amended .accordingly. Some amendment or additional clauses will also be needed in Diocesan Statute No. 9, and in the regulations relating to parish meetings, in consequence of an amendment in Statute 15 of the General Synod, by which every lay member already registered, if two months shall have elapsed since his registration, may claim, on removing to another parish or district, to have his name at once registered in the churchwardens’ book of that parish or district and vote at tho election of lay representatives to tho General Synod, and at the election of synodsmen for that parish or district, and may attend and vote at its meetings. For the information of this Synod, though not requiring legislation on our part, I may . mention that by a new statute of the General Synod, the missionary diocese of Melanesia is 1 now, sad is deemed to hove been associated in sachvrise with tho General Synod that the Bi-hop and the clerical and lay representatives of tho said diocese hold in ail respects an equal status in the Synod with the Bishops, clergy, and laity of this ecclesiastical province". The diocese, however, is not to bs regarded as an essential part of the Province, nor is the assent of any Synod which may be constituted in it required for the purposes specified in clauses 21 and 23 of the Constitution. The Bishop, clergy, and office-bearers are not excluded or exempt from the jurisdiction of such ecclesiastical courts, as have been, or may be hereafter constituted by the General Synod, The Statute No. 9, for the establishing of such Courts, ceased to be in force at the close of the last session ; it was necessary, therefor?, to re-enact it. The present Statutes for this pnrpose.now included under Canon I, Tide D, is substantially the same as that of 1677; but the order and methods of prcca- j duro are more distinctly set forth. The alterations in the Ecclesiastical Offences Statutes, except in one instance, are simply verbal

I have made aee of the term “ canon” when referring to the Statute for establishing Ecclesiastical Courts; for, by a Statute passed last session, all the enactments of the General Ojnod have been arranged under appropriate heads, so as to form a code of Canons, and it is worthy of consideration whether our Diocesan Statutes and EoguUtiona might not bo so arranged. The reasons giver, in the report of the Commission, in reference to the Statute of the General Sjncd on Canons appointed in 18'/7, are equally applicable to our own case, viz., that Buch a code “ is highly expedient for the sake of oltarce'B, connectedness, and convenience of reference,” and as having also the “incidental advantage that the process of amending previous legislation is not a little simplified thereby, ae it would be sufficient to bring in Bills for the amendment of particular sections of particular Canons. Neither would there b any doubt as to whether any Statute, or ary part of a Statute, had been repealed, or » a . still in force, since nothing but what might be in force would appear” in the code. A n ill for the purpose of an amendment, or for fresh legislation, would be carried through the sc feral stages as usual; and if the enactments passed for this purpose in the course of ar y session were printed as part of its proceedings, the history of the legislation would be preserved. I have referred to the amendment of clause S, Statute 1, of the General Synod, which, as it stood, was generally assumed to give to every licensed clergyman the right of voting for clerical representatives to that Synod, and a seat and vote in a Diocesan Synod. It was objected that those clergymen who held no distinct clerical charge in a diocese, but who were licensed to officiate, that is, to undertake occasional duty only, should not be placed on the same footing as regards the power of exercising certain electoral and legislative functions with their clerical brethren, who had made themselves responsible for the all important duties of a euro, or of some ecclesiastical office or work in the diocese requiring their continued attention and labour | such functions, it was thought, appertained to those who had separated themfslres from secular occupation* for ministerial or ecclesiastical purposes, and were taking an active part in the work of the Church within its respective diocese, or who having done so it past time during several years, had, for reasonable causes, resigned their cure or office. The matter was referred to a Select Committee, who found itself unable to give a restrictive interpretation to the term "Jieen*ed clergymen, and eventually it was remitted to the Bench of Bishops with whom, in their several dioceses, the discretionary power of granting licensee is invested, and they came to the conclusion, which was announced to the Synod, that clergymen authoriied by them for occasional duty would not necessarily be brought by their licenses within t);e meaning of Statutes 1,2, and 8. lo a word, the Bwhops wienrad to ibemiehea the power of defining such cases the special functions which, under their licenses, these clergymen must be capable of exercising. I may add a* regards the clergymen in this diocese, who are now licensed to officiate occasionally, and have in past time held cures or other responsible offices connected with the Church, 1 have given them the option of retaining their present licenses with the rights and obligations assumed to be involved therein, including attendance in the Diocesan Synod» or of receiving from ms * license which, while it would empower them stUUo officiate from time to time in any cure the wnsent of the curate thereof, and hare their name, on the list of the Registrar Genera!, for the purposes of the Marriage Act, would sot entitle them to vote for olericd represen. Utlvea or to » »*®t » nd Totfi m S J nod of clergy referred to have agreed to accent the new license. The therefore who have been cited to attend this fltnml. and wboee name* have been read to

you, are tho licensed clergymen at this time, within the meaning the Canons, 1,2, and 8, under title B. Tho appeal to the General Synod from ■ome of the parishioners of Biooarton against the division of the parish and tho constitution of a separate parish resulted in the adoption of the following resolution-- That inasmuch as Clause 3 of Statute No. 4 of the General Synod had not boon complied with, the Synod decided that tho pari*h of Feudalton had not b*en duly formed." The Statute requiring that tho application for the oonetition of parishes should b* made " through tho Bishop "—that is, a* tho General Synod interpreted those words, authorised and recommended by the Bishop. Whether this was virtually done when I laid upon the table the applications for this purpoie at our last session may perhaps bo a question | but for the avoidance of all doubts for the future it is expedient, I t hink, that all similar application* should, if the Bishop should approve of them, be expressly recommended by him, and his recommendation bo based on some official enquiry. This has now been done in tho oa»o of tho parish of Riooarfcon, and I have no hesitation in saying that in my opinion it is dssirabie that tho district of Fendaltun, now included in that parish, should bo separated from it, and bs constituted a parish. It can hardly be expected that tho division of any parish, which has been for some years under the same pastoral care, can b# brought about without dissatisfying some members of the Church who may bo affected by it, and even in some instance* giving rise to unseemly strife and ill will} tho more especially if the agitation for tho division should proceed from within tho parish, as it lawfully may, and 1 might almost say, is invited and encouraged by our Synodical regulations. It is desirable, therefore, that every means should bo adopted to obviate this, and it may in a great measure bo obviated if the Bishop should take upon himself the responsibility of Instituting -fio. official enquiry, when from hi* own observation of tbo condition of a parish, or from information he may have gathered from others, he may consider some division essential to the spiritual welfare of its inhabitants. There is nothing either in the Statutes of the General or Diocesan Synods relating to this matter that precludes the Bishop from taking this step now ; but it is as wall that attention should bo drawn to this method of procedure, as it will be by the amendments in Statute No. 4, prepared by the Standing Committee. I need hardly add that whether the first step towards the division of a parish be taken -by some of its church members or by the Bishop himself, the chief object which ought to be kept in view is to secure all within a certain area, so far as may be possible, tho full benefits of the parochial system: that is to say, not only a Church whore they may all, if so minded, assemble themselves together for divine worship, bat individually the pastoral care and ministrations of their appointed clergyman.

It will be seen bj the report of the Church Work Society, that from the want o: sufficient means the Chaplaincy for the seamen who are brought to fort Lyttelton has not been maintained, except for a few months ; and 1 mutt add that the Society has but little hope of securing means adequate for this office, except through the endowment created by Archdeacon Dudley, which, however, is only available on certain conditions well-known to the Synod. I need not enlarge upon the obligations which lie upon the Church to minister to these seamen. Something has been done for their physical wants and comforts by the generous exertions of a few individuals, but no settled provision for their spiritual welfare has yet been made by the Church. For these seamen are not considered to he included within the cure of the incumbent of the parish, though doubtless they would bo welcomed by him if they were to attend the parish church. And in justice to the incumbent, I must say I do cot see how they could be included under his pastoral charge without injuriously interfering with the effectual working of his populous parish. I may mention that in the census of 1881, the population of Lyttelton is stated to consist of 4127 souls, and of these 2159 are reported ae belonging to our communion—exclusive, 1 assume, of those seafaring mon who from time to time are brought to our shores. Now 1 think the Synod will agree with me that these have a very special claim upon our consideration, and that we shall be incurring a very serious Ibsponsibility if, when it is in our power by the use of the endowment to make some distinct provision for their spiritual welfare, we negiect to do so. The plan which I would recommend is to separate from the present parish a portion to the west, including within it the reserve where the Church is required to be built, and to form this portion into a parochial district. Ido not consider that a church on that reserve would altogether answer the purposes of a seamen’s church, nor is it desirable that it should be regarded as their church. It is too distant from the usual places where seamen resort. But the clergyman in charge of it and officiating in it should be emphatically their pastor, and bis services, therefore, in this church, and his ministrations in the district assigned as his care, be regulated by their requirement!). And in order to this it is expedient that the cure should be a parochial district, so that the Bishop may be free to select the clergyman for it with a special regard to his work among the seamen.

I would ask the Synod to appoint a Soloct Committee to consider and report upon this proposal, and I will lay before it the correspondence that has passed between myself and the Incumbent and Vestry of the parish on this subject. The Jbfeport of the Church Work Society records what has been attempted by it during the past year in reference to the religious instruction of the youag. A second Church day school has been successfully established. In four of the State schools the clergy, with the consent of the local Oommittees, are admitted for daily religions teaching, and in sixteen other schools this teaching is given by them on one. school day in the week; and it is to be hoped that similar opportunities for imparting religious knowledge will be afforded to the clergy in all the larger centres of population. Difficulties may be expected in making the necessary arrangements for this; but tho strong feeling iu behalf of religious teaching in the case of the young, testified throughout the diocese by the numerous signatures attached to the petitions to the Legislature, on this subject, fully warrant the assurance that persistent efforts in this direction will not be in vain j and though the amount of religion thus imparted in the State school* may not be very great, yet it will at least aid in counteracting the mischievous effect of a system of education which would altogether exclude it from the whole school life of the young. In schools belonging to the Church, besides direct religious instruction, there are numerous other ways by which the young can be reminded of what so deeply concerns them, both here and hereafter j but for the present I fear these schools, for the most part, must be held on the Sunday, and the Qhuroh must do her utmost during the abort timo available for instruction to render thorn as elective as she possibly can. It is for this purpose that an annual examination in religious knowledge is open to all the schools of tho Church, whether day or Sunday schools, and to any of her members also who may offer themselves for it—us preparatory ta their undertaking the office of teachers, or of any other office m which they may servo the Church. And it is on this account also that an Inspector of Schools has been appointed. His work has been systematically carried on since 1880, and I am sure that bis services in this important office are thoroughly appreciated by the clergy—tho clergy whose schools have been inspected by him j indeed, it is obvious that a periodical examination conducted by an Inspector, thoroughly conversant with the details of education, and sympathising with the efforts of those who teach in our schools, must contribute in no ilight degree to their elfloieuoy and success. The clergy who are chlelfv responsible for these schools can take but little part in tho working of them beyond the selection of tho teachers and the aid they may give them by their counsel and instructions. With thair

other duties on the Sunday they must needs be dependent for what i» done and taught in their eohool on the *eal and intelligence of theie valuable church helper* i and we have good cause to be thankful for what they have done and taught. But still lam *uro that neither they nor the clergy, who profit by their labour*, would claim for their aohools all the perfection which might be attained, or a*«ume that the children under their teaching would not bo etimulated to greater exertion by the examination of a competent examiner. Ho hlmielf would be tho gainer by hi* inspection of *ome «ohooli, for, if they were well taught and managed, he might learn something from them which ho might impart to other school* loss sucooisful ir. their working. But if, on the other hand, thov should be defective in their teaohing or discipline, ho would be able from bit experience to aid their effort* for improvement, and, what is a matter of no little importance, acting for this purpooa on tho Bisnop 1 * behalf* and in pursuauoo of tho function* incident to hi* office, ho is instrumental in securing throughout the several school* a certain uniformity of teaching which in *o essential to the wellbeing of tho Diocese, and to tho unity of action. . Tho ichools, »t present, arc 94 in number, and tho average attendance of scholars in them i* 1835, and of those 849 have been examined by the Inspector during tho post year, some of them more than once. The total number of school* examined since hie appointment is 133, A sound and accurate knowledge or religious truth os taught by the Church in her Catechism and Prayer-book i* what we ore entitled to expect in these schools, and such knowledge may bo tested by a ooroful examination. But this knowledge, important as it is, is only preparatory to something of more importance still, viz., on tho port of the young as they advance in years—on intelligent acceptance of their Christian calling, with all its blessings and responsibilities. I need hardly add that in order to this there must be a power, not ©f man, working in them a thankful spirit and an obedient will. Bat, as helpful in this work, they should be early and persistently taught to look forward to that period of their lives when, as children of the Church, they will bo called upon to declare this thoir acceptance in the ordinance of confirmation. It ’has been said that the soundness of the condition of a euro may bo best aaoertoinod by the nam-b.-r and intelligence of its habitual communicants, and with equal truth it may bo said that the efficiency of a school as an instrument of the Church in tho training of her children, may be ascertained by the number and intelligence of those taught therein, who, when arrived at a fitting ago, offer themselves as candidates for confirmation. Most certainly it is to our Sunday schools that wo must chiefly look for well-prepared candidates, and tho number of candidates from each school should bear some proportion to the number of its scholars.

Though it may form no part of the business of the Synod, yet I think it right that its members should know that it has been proposed by the clergy of the Cathedral Chapter, in consultation with the incumbents of the City and suburban parishes, to hold in the Cathedral religious services of a simple kind on a day or days during each week, beginning with tba approaching season of Advent ; ana these services, if continued, we hope, may be instruments! in giving useful instruction to those who need it, and in awakening in them a deeper sense cf God’s mercies in Christ, and of that personal share and interest in those mercies, which is the inheritance of us all. The services will consist of some selected portion of the prayers of the Church, with appropriate hymns and addresses from one or more of the clergy, and will be held at tome hour in the evening most convenient for the purpose. These services, however, will by no means bo allowed to interfere or interrupt the ordinary doilyeacrifloo of prayer and praise now offered in thy Cathedral. The perpetual worship of Almighty God is, and ever must bo, its characteristic office; and must express, so far as may be possible, the homage due from this diocese to Him for His redeeming love. And so long as this is maintained there will be no impropriety in making provision in other services for those who as yet know not what worship is, and, perhaps, even have not yet learnt to pray. The teaching in the Cathedral may of course vary according to circumstances. It may accommodate itself to the learned and unlearned ; to those who are the faithful followers of Christ, and are earnesily endeavouring to grow up to Him in all things-; or to those who are practically ignorant of Christ and His holy requirements; or, as it has bean said by an old divine, the Church is commissioned “to preach to the mountains, and also to the plains.” Another use, I hope, also may bo made of the Cathedral; and that is, that it should be, at stated times, a place of solemn gathering for those who are engaged in any recognised Church work. We have in our several parishes lay officers of the Church, lay readers, dunday school teachers, members of choirs and guilds and associations for religious and charitable purposes. Those latter, at this time, are very general in our Mother Church } indeed, it has been said that the principle of association in religious matters especially is one of the universal and significant characteristics of tbo age. And there is nothing new in them. Wo are but returning to the custom of our forefathers, among whom societies essentially Christian very generally prevailed, and, by the power of which, discipline and devotion maintained and stimulated the vitality of the Church. Differences of administration and diversities of operations must needs be in the Church, and yot are quite compatible with the maintenance of the unity, if they are guided by the Holy Spirit, who giveth to every one severally as He will; and surely we may believe that associations for tho use and exercise of His gifts, may look for His continual guidance and assistance, if from time to time they assemble for mutual prayer in the Central Church of the Diocese, and realise in so doing, perhaps more fully than at present, their fellowship not only with their fellow workers, but also with other members of tho Church, who in their several vocations and ministries, are using what gifts they have in her behalf. I may mention that the Girls’ Friendly Society, which now consists of about 300 members and 110 associates, has been invited by me to meet fora special evening service in the Cathedral on Thursday, in the second week in Advent. And it would bo a cheering sign, and doubtlecs tend to much good, if other Church workers (and I refer eepeoially to the Sunday School teachers) of this City and its suburbs—who are now working with zeal, as we well know, but apart from each other except in their own peculiar fields of labour—were to combine together in one society or guild, and consecrate their union and their work at leant once a year, by an act of solemn worship within the Cathedral walls. Bren in that act of power, which pre eminently brings the faithful soul into closer communion with our risen and glorified Lord, and in Him and by Him into living union with those who are of tho household of faith, both here and elsewhere.

1 have said that the services of the Oathodral form no part of the business of this Synod, hut I may be allowed to add, what all Us members, whether clerical or lay, ihould ever hoar in mind, that we (hall not be fulfilling our dutiee in this portion of the Church of Christ by doing only what we can for iu good government and order, or by providing. moans for carrying on it« work, if we fail to lake our part, and to co-operate with one another in those work* of faith and labour of love, which are a? nooessary to it* spiritual growth. Kaoh and all of u» have onr appointed work in furthering the cause of Christ upon earth, and just us in proportion as the clergy nnd laity are one, as fellowworker* in that behalf, and take an active, earnest interest in promoting it, will the Church hero accomplish her minion, and succeed, an ebe may, under God's grace, in gathering into her fold those who arc now aliens from it t some, it is to be feared, living without light or knowledge or hope, and build up those witbiu it in their most holy faith. The Very Rsv the Dean fcould move, with his Lordship’s permission—-" That the thankl of the Synod be given to your Lordship for

ths address ws hats just heard, »nd th»t yon bs requested to allow it to be printed. Tho Hon H. B. Grstson seconded [the motion, which was carried unanimously.

AnonmcßtfM’ The Bar T. Fiavell was appointed Clerical Secretary, and Hr Bridge* Ley Secretory to the Synod. „ _ _ , Heme T.W. Maude end F. O. Btodmsa were appointed as Chairman and Clerk of Committees. . The Eev Canon OottsriU and the two Seoretaries were appointed a* the Sessional Committee. novas of u»nttva. It was decided to meet every day during the session (except Saturday* and Sundays) at 4 p.m., and adjourn each day from 6 p.m. to 7.80 p.m. hbpobts. The President laid before the Synod copies of tho reports of the Standing Committee, Church Property Trustees, Diocesan Board of Trustees, Ohuroh Work Society, Maori Mission, statement of ordinations, Ac., sines last October, and other documents, including the petition from Fandalton in favour of the district being constituted a separate parish. Tho Bev Canon Ootterill laid on the table tho report of the Cathedral Chapter, statement of accounts and othar papers. Tho Yen Archdeacon Harris, Dioossan Inspector of Schools, read his report, whioh stated that there were 95 Sunday schools in the diocese, with 657 teachers and 7841 scholars on the rolls, and with an average attendance of 6185, a considerable increase on the number of last year. These, however, were not regarded as altogether satisfactory when compared with the large attendance in tho State schools, and the fact that 47 per cent of the population of Canterbury and Westland was returned as belonging to the Church of England. According to this calculation 10,651 of tho 92,410. children attending (he State aohools should be in the Sunday schools. Particulars of the inspection and examination of 25 of the schools were given. The results of the examinations showed a steady improvement. The report concluded by suggesting that tome means should be devised for finding out and securing the attendance of the children who do nob attend. More punctuality and regularity on the port of teachers were required, and more preparation for their work. It was hoped that many teacher* would enter for the Theological Studies Examination, Every encouragement should be given by clergy and teachers to scholars to present themselves at tho examinations held by the Dioossan Education Committee and Inspector of Schools.

Tho Rev F. Knowles read the report of the Ohuroh Property Trustees, whioh stated that tho gross rentals from tho principal estates amounted to £10,813, being on increase of £568. The arrears had been reduced by nearly £IOO, Particulars of tbo leases and sales of land made during the year were also given. The payment of the grants required by the Standing Committee to carry on tho work of tho Ohuroh, if continued in full till next Easter, would involve an excess of expenditure over probable income of £220 for the current financial year, in addition to the debtor balance of £4OO against (he income account on April 30 last. A form of lease on the “ Glasgow" principle had been adopted by the trustees. A number of details of loans to parishes, insurances, &e., concluded the report. Attached to the report was one from the Committee appointed to confer with the Cemetery Board, recommending the disposal of eight acres of the cemetery reserve of 14i acres, tbo leases of whioh were about to fall in. The estimates laid before the Synod, whioh were referred to in the above report, showed the receipts from general Church estate from May 1, 1833, to May 1, 1884, would be £9587, while (ha expenditure, including debit a balance of £4OO, amount required by Standing Committee for stipends of clergy, ko., £2667 10s, would amount to £10,272 16s 9d, leaving a probable debit balance of £685 15s 9d.

The reports of the Board of Diocesan Trustees and of the Cathedral Chapter were alto read. The latter detailed the steps taken with reference to the maintenance of the Cathedral services, the procuring of the organ, and other matters of detail. It also pointed out the need of further assistance towards the work of the Cathedral, and re* ferred to the energetic work of several persons who had assisted in the services and otherwise daring the past year, specially mentioning Professor Cook and the Precentor, whoso efforts in regard to the musical portions of the ser rices had been productive of very good respite. Several notices of motion were given, and the Synod adjourned till 4 p.m. to-day.