ANGLICAN CHURCH

Southland Times, Issue 19508, 6 May 1922, Page 8

ANGLICAN CHURCH

THE GENERAL SYNOD. IMMIGRATION AND SOCIAL QUESTIONS (Per United Press Association.) AUCKLAND, May 4. The Anglican General Synod resumed the adjourned debate on Mr DelatouPs motion urging the appointment 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 a sound public opinion among Church people on religious and social questions, welcomes the proposal to hold a 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 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 into close and immediate touch with immigrants arriving from the United Kingdom were submitted by a select committee. The erport stated that at one time representatives of the Church were permitted to visit ships in the roadstead on the health officer’s tug. The authorities no longer permitted this, the Salvation Army representative being the only accredited agent. The committee did not recommend any appeal to alter this. The Army was doing its work well, but the committee did not think this particular work was of great value. The agent had little time at his disposal, and the passengers were busy and excited. The committee recommended the appointment of chaplains to accompany immigrants to New Zealand on the ships, that each Bishop appoint a small immigrants’ reception committee to be responsible for welcoming immigrants, giving them counsel and advice, and when necessary pecuniary aid. The appointment of an honorary central organiser was also recommended to keep in touch with the various diocesan committees and organise the whole movement. Bishop Sedgwick gave notice to move accordingly. The congratulations of various Protestant denominations on the decision in support of the principle of church reunion were conveyed to the Synod by a deputation representing the Ministers’ Association and the Council of Christian Congregations. Archdeacon Chatterton (Waiapu) moved: “That in view of the fact that alcohol is recognised as responsible for many of the moral and physical evils that are in the world to-day, and that it is the bounden duty of the Church to definitely associate itself with efforts to combat those evils, this Synod calls upon members of the Church: (a) To exercise the sacred duty of voting at. the next referendum in such a way as to place the moral interests of the community before any personal interests 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.