THE REV. MR GIBB AND ECCLESIASTICAL ARROGANCE.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 12006, 1 April 1901, Page 6

THE REV. MR GIBB AND ECCLESIASTICAL ARROGANCE.

TO THE EDITOB. Sir,—There can surely bo no justification for tho bumptious and aggressive tone of Mr Gibh's letter. As I make out, the Government commissioner appointed to arrange for the reception of our royal visitors did not invite Mr Gibb to a conference to which he did invito Bishops Nevill and Vcrdon. Then Mr Gibb has a grievance, and the Government commissioner owes him an explanation. But wherein lmve the two bishops offended that they should be told that " 1 Moderator' is quito as good a namo as 'Bishop,"' and that "some of us think it is oven better"? Mr Gibb's irritation is no excuso for this snappishness boforo tho public.' .It may be, as lie says, that " moderator" is as good a namo as " bishop " ; but the romark is irrelevant; and, in any case, there is little wisdom in provoking a discussion on the subject. Mr Gibb invites the reminder that wo read of "bishops',' in tho New Testament, but that "modorator" is a comparatively recent indention. A3 for the term "religious bodies" which Mr Gibb resents a3 offensive, the public

will fail to '■ take his point. A Government , official, in relation to whom all religious organisations are on a footing of equality, uses the term " religious bodies " as comprehending them all, not excepting the Jewish Synagoguo and tho Salvation Army, neither of which, so far as I am aware, claims to b< a "Church." Are the Jews and the Salva- , tionists to be left out? Mr Gibb speaks with < indignation of " ecclesiastical arrogance," protesting that ho is "not going to have any more of it." Very commendable. But I tako leave to point out that in this matter of the Government commissioner and his misdoings the only person who, as yet, has shown any ecclesiastical arrogance is Mr Gibb himself.—l am, etc., John Ksooks.