DEGREES IN DIVINITY.

Otago Witness, Issue 3869, 8 May 1928, Page 77

DEGREES IN DIVINITY.

o DISCUSSION BY ANGLICAN GENERAL SYNOD. WELLINGTON. May 1. Degrees in divinity granted by the University of New Zealand would be welcomed by members of the Anglican Synod, according to a resolution it carried at its afternoon session to-day. Dr West Watson (Bishop of Christchurch) said that excellent work had been carried out by the theological colleges of the different churches. The Presbyterian College in Dunedin, the Methodist College in Auckland, and their own St. John’s College at Auckland, and Selwyn College at Dunedin were all doing a great pervice for the education of those entering the various ministries. He did not think that there was any examination in ■ divinity in New Zealand that had a reputation outside the country. Such a state of affairs was bad for the men themselves, and. not much incentive for them to work on after they had passed their grades. “ The general impression at present,” he said, “ is that our men have, not sufficient objective. There must be many in New Zealand who do well at the universities in those subjects akin to theology, and would do well in theological studies. We have not the faculties for carrying our men on far enough. When a man is. not encouraged to be a thinker and a leader it is bad for the congregation. I think at certain centres there could be some interchange of the teaching faculties. Ido not think we should do more than suggest that the university should be the examining body. The church would have to do the teaching.” The Bishop said that all he asked for was a vote that -would strengthen the hands of those who might approach the university in the future. There seemed to be a feeling that when theology came in at the door peace flew out at the- window. “I would like to iinPress, he said, “ that whatever the sins ot theology in the past, its study to-day is a force drawing together the leading scholars of the day. The scope of theology has.been widened. Its study is an enlightening force and one of vital importance to human life and thought. When vve are not provided with opportunities tor the study of theology the term ‘ university seems an over-statement.”—(Ap-plause.)

_ Dr Richards (Bishop of Dunedin) said that it was certainly a great loss to the church that young men were unable to 2, e their degree within the borders of the Dominion. It s mentioned'by Dr Sprott (Bishop of Wellington) that the divinity college at Dublin was the only true Anglican divinity school in the British Empire, because the bishops of the Church of Ireland had a very large share in its control. He was very glad to give the proposal his support. Dr Sadlier (Bishop of Nelson) remarked that there were at present two bishops in the Church of the Province of New Zealand who held the degree of bachelor of divinity of London University.

The synod carried a resolution welcoming the granting of a degree or degrees in divinity by the University of New Zealand, and. approving of co-opera-tion with representatives of other religious bodies in approaching the Senate of the university in this connection.