ANGLICAN SYNOD

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18547, 6 May 1922, Page 10

ANGLICAN SYNOD

YESTERDAY’S PROCEEDINGS. (pu United Press Amooudon.! AUCKLAND, May 5. The Synod resumed the adjourned debate on Mr De La tour’s motion urging the appointment l of a commission to inquire ■whether the constitution of the church had developed to make the fullest use* of the capacities of members for service. The motion was carried. Canon Wilford (Christchurch) moved — “That the Synod, recognising the great need of formulating sound public opinion among church people on religious and social question?, welcomes proposals to hold the Church Congress in Christchurch in May, 1923,' for the discussion of the most urgent problems confronting the church at the present time, and urges upon the clergy and the people of the province the duty of supporting the movement by all means in their power.” . . , The motion was carried unanimously. Proposals intended to bring the church in close and immediate touch with immigrants arriving from the United Kingdom! were submitted by a select committee. The report stated that at one time representatives of the church were permitted to visit ships in the roadstead on the health officer s tug, but the authorities no longer permitted this, the Salvation Army representative being 1 the only accredited agent. The committee did nor recommend an • appeal to alter this. The Army was doing its work ’well, but the committee did not think this particular work of great value. The agent had little time at his disposal, and passengers were busy and excitod. The committee recommended the appointment of chaplains to accompany immigrants to New Zealand on- ships,, and that each bishop appoint a small Immigrants’ Reception Committee responsible for welcoming immigrants, giving them counsel and advice, and when necessary pecuniary aid - • The apeointment of an honorary central organiser *to keep in touch with the various diocesan committees and organise the whole movement were also*, recommended. ■ Mr Sedgwick gave notice to .move accordingly; The congratulations of various Protestant denominations on the decision in support of the principle of -church reunion wag accorded the Synod by a deputation representing the Ministers’ ' Association . and the Council of Christian Congregations.. - Archdeacon Ohatterton (Waiapu) “That in view of the: fact that alcohol is recognised as responsible for many of the moral- apd physical evils , that are, in tlvo world to-day and that. it. is the bounuenduty of the churoh to, definitely itself with the efforts to combat those evils, this Synod calls upon members of the church (a) to exercise ' the sacred ditty ot voting at the next referendum in such a way as to place the moral interests of the community before any personal interest or consideration, and (b) to recognise the, duty of combating the evil of intemperance by personal example and willing self-sacrifice. The 'debate was adjourned. . The centenary of the arrival in New Zealand of the Key. Henry Williams was commemorated by a synod resolution Which was carried expressing thankfulness to God for the fruits of the ; work, he was enabled to The' Rev.-H. Pa rata, (Dunedin) moved: “That the synod, recognising the valuable services rendered by lay readers, deem it desirable that provision be made for the supply of sermons for their use, and that a commission be appointed to prepare suitable sermons.” • ' ' Bishop, Averill moved an amendment substituting for the second portion of . t-he motion that it be a recommendation to the Standing Committee of Dioceses to take the matter into careful consideration. The motion as amended was earned. Archdeacon M‘Murray moved the second reading of a Bill to enlarge the, Diocesan Board of Nominations by appointing two clergy and two laymen to act with the bishop, instead of .one clergyman and one layman. The second portion of the Bill provides for three representatives of the vestry, instead of the vestry as' a whole, to meet the Board of Nominations in conference in the event of a vacancy in a CU The Primate (Bishop Julius) opposed the Bill on the ground that matters of an intimate nature concerning the clergy were sometimes discussed bv the boards,' and for that reason the smaller the boards were the bettor. ■ i, ~ , ~ Bishop Averill considered that, the hoards, as at present constituted, were too small for the grave responsibilities thrown upon, them.- 4, The reading was earned, the Bill committed; and progress 'reported; to enable the Bill to be redrafted. • The synod recorded its regret that Bishop Mules, one of the oldest members, was unable to be present, and : conveyed appreciation of his life and work. A Bjll,'moved by 1 Bishop Badlier. to provide for the constitution of a Board of Missions, was read q. second time.