BISHOP-ELECT OF NELSON

Manawatu Herald, Volume LIV, Issue 4406, 18 October 1934, Page 3

BISHOP-ELECT OF NELSON

VIEWS ON CHURCH’S DUTIES. Nelson, October 16. “To me the essence of Christianity is more important than the brand, though I do not hold lightly the charm and great traditions of 1 the Anglican Church,” said Canon Hilliard, Anglican Bishop-Elect of Nelson, who has arrived from Sydney, in an interview to-day. “I have had the happiest relations with other groups of Christians — Roman Catholics and all associated with the free churches. My outlook is definite. I will not compromise the principles I hold, but I will work in brotherliness and cooperation with all Christians. Protestantism stands for freedom of conscience; I allow other people the same liberty I claim for myself.”

Among Canon Hilliard’s treasured possessions are several letters from Roman Catholic priests expressing appreciation in very delightful terms of the friendly relations that had always existed between them.

Canon Hilliard said he felt strongly that it was the duty of the Church to serve the community in the name of Christ and on His behalf. by its witness and its service and by such means bring the community more and more into fellowship with Christ. He believed there were sufficient material resources, organisation and scientific knowledge to set the world right if men were consecrated. The great contribution the Church could make was bringing a spirit of goodwill, unselfishness, brotherliness and love of service, without which no economic scheme could function. Tt was the great responsibility of the Church to proclaim the great Christian principles which must be applied. It was not the function of the clergy as such to work out those programmes in detail; that was a job for the consecrated, trained lavman.