THE CHRISTCHURCH DIOCESE.
ITS POSITION IN REGARD TO THE CONSTITUTION. REMARKS BY BISHOP JULIUS. Bishop Julius has issued to tho i clergy in the Ohristqhnrch dicceso a , circular letter dealing with the jubilee. ! He says : — " In respect of our ecclesiastical con-. etitution, the diocese of Ghrietcrmrch ' occupies a position distinct from that of any other diocese in New Zealand. k It was never warmly received, and we ' | stand excepted from many cf its provi- > ! sione. But this is not the day for nar- ■ row and parochial interests. *\\ J e have • gained, and so has the Church of New - Zealand, by fellowship, and the isclai tion of this diocese in tho coming cele- • bratkm would be nothing short cf a calamity. It is true th,at our people I know and care very little about the
constitution; all the more reason, therefore for putting it plainly before them. We 'admit, also, that the constitution is faulty, and that amendment of its provisions can only be brought about by keen and intelligent interest on the part of our people. The opportunity now afforded to v© is therefore of great value. We may use it to set forth the influence of the Church and of religion upon national life] we may dwell upon the good providence of God in the gift of men of singular grace and power to lay the foundations of the Church in these islands; we may show the limitations under which they laboured, and the cautions which seemed necessary to their time the growth of a freer spirit, the development of provincial churches, and the. present necessity for greater freedom and elasticity in our constitution. Most of all, we may tell of the mercies of Gcd which have followed us from the beginning until now. I therefore, as your bishop, bid you thaw your whole heart into this, that the celebration of our jubilee may pave the way for a stronger and wider fellowship."
THE CHRISTCHURCH DIOCESE.
Star (Christchurch), Issue 8953, 12 June 1907, Page 4
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