UNSUCCESSFUL MARRIAGES

Southland Times, Issue 23026, 21 October 1936, Page 6

UNSUCCESSFUL MARRIAGES

THE CHURCH PARTLY TO BLAME AUCKLAND SYNOD’S DISCUSSION (United Press Association.) Auckland, October 20. A commission to consider the administration of marriage by the Anglican Church in New Zealand is to be brought to the notice of the next General Synod by representatives of the Auckland Diocese as a result of a decision of the synod to-night. During a long debate considerable dissatisfaction with the conduct of many people attending weddings or being married was expressed by one of the speakers. The Rev. G. V. Gerard, vicar of St. Matthew’s Church, moved: “That this synod direct its representatives to the General Synod to take steps for the appointment of a commission to consider the administration in this province of the rite of holy matrimony, and that this commission be instructed to collect evidence to furnish a report and to formulate recommendations, and that the findings of the commission be presented first to several diocesan synods of the province, and secondly, to the next meeting of the “General Synod.” No one, said Mr Gerard, could fail to deplore the great number of marriages which were unsuccessful, and no little of the responsibility for these failures belonged to the Church. Many marriages were entered into without sufficient evidence that the parties were fully prepared for marriage or whether they fully understood the responsibilities into which they were entering. It might be possible to devise some means of presenting the full meaning of marriage to young people. “There is too often a total lack of reverence on the part of the congregation,” said the Rev. M. G. Sullivan, vicar of Grey Lynn. “The situation is appalling to those who have to witness it.” Archbishop Averill said that a commission of the nature suggested had been set up by the General Synod some years ago, but it had never met. The administration of the rite of matrimony was certainly one for which there should be provincial regulations, and a commission should be set up. Whether all marriages should be civil first of all could be considered by such a commission. More unity in the matter was needed. The Archbishop found, however, that the last two proposals in the motion were irregular, and he moved an amendment: “That this synod direct its representatives to take steps for the appointment of a commission to consider the administration in this province of the rite of holy matrimony.” The motion was carried unanimously in this form.