DIOCESAN SYNOD.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 2685, 3 November 1876, Page 2

DIOCESAN SYNOD.

Thttbsday, Not. 2. The Synod assembled at 4 p.m., and was opened with prayer by the Primato. The Dean moved— "That whereas the Ohuroh Oonstitution was drawn up under misapprehension as to the then existing relations both of the State and Churoh in England to the Ohurches in the Colonies— and whereas very important changes in those relations have since token place— anu whereas in consequence partly of that misapprehension and partly of those changes, tbe fundamental provisions of the Constitution have beoome obsoleto and inapplicable, aad each of those provisions as were intended to give a certain neoessary liberty under certain contingencies hnve beoome either nugatory or questionable in their operation — it is expedient that the fundamental provisions of the Constitution be revised by a speoial convention of the Bishops and of clerical and lay representatives from the soveral diooeses of New Zealand analogous to that whioh met in Auokland in June, 1857, and whioh drew up the original of the present Constitution — and that the General Synod bo memorialised accordingly to make arrangements at its next triennial session in 1877, for the eleotion of olerical and lay representarires > for the next ensuing Synod, to meet in 1880, on this basis— viz , that tney should first be with tbe Bishops a convention to revise the Constitution, and afterwards the eighth Synod of the Church of the Provinoe of New Zmind." To this an amendment was moved by Bir Walker—" Tbat inasmuch, he the intention of tbe framers of the constitution was to affirm that so long as tbe Catholicity and stability of tbe Church in England, was" guaranteed by its existence as an established chnrcb, and inasmuch as that guarantee remains unaltered, this Synod is of opinion that it is highly inexpedient to take any steps wbich may throw doubt on the o^otin&anoe pf the oonneotion between the Chutoh in Sew Zealand, and the Churoh in England." A debate ensued,

wbioh termisated in both tbe amendment, and the original reeolutum being negatived on tho voices. The Rev. W. H. Cooper moved a recommendation to the General Synod to amend Statute No. 2, to the effect, that every Diocesan Synod consist of tiie Bishop, licensed clergy, holding an official position, and those who are actually doing parochial work, and of not lets than one Synodsman, for every parish or parochial district, with * proviso that any clergyman not eo qualifled shall be admitted to a seat in the Synod, with the consent of the Diocese kt which he may reside. The motion wae negatived on division, Ayes— Clergy, 11 j Laity, ft. Noee— Clergy, 16 { Laity, 17. The Synod then proceeded to elect the Standing Committee, when the following w«e chosen : Clergy — The Dean, Archdeacons Harper and Willock, Beve Canon CfctteriH. E. A. Lingard. J. W. Stack. Laitv— Meters Hanmer, Malet, H. J. lanered, Haeeal, C/R. Bhkiiton, and Achnd. The Bev W. H. Cooper mored to the cfljset that the Nets Zealand Church News be no longer the official organ of the diocese. After some discussion Mr Cooper withdrew Mg resolution in favour of the following, suggested by Archdeacon Harper ;— " Tbat tbe Church Hews be regarded aa tbe Gazette of tha diocese for official notices," wbich was agreed to. 7# The Hon J.B. Acland brought in BtU|to amend further Statute No. 3, and also Statute No. 1, whioh were read a first time, aiid ordered to be read a eecond time to-morrow. Notices of motion having been given, the Synod adjourned to 4 pan. thh? day.