SIDE-STEPPING A SYNODSMAN.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17179, 24 October 1923, Page 6

SIDE-STEPPING A SYNODSMAN.

The synodsman who complained yesterday that ■cathedral congregations were preached to, prayed to and sung to may have been drawing on bis sub-conscious memory for an epigram uttered by some, other great mind. The Archbishop will pardon us, we know, for suggesting that the remark sounded remarkably like one of his own, and therefore it would have been refreshing to hear his own candid comments on the criticism. The Dean’s reply to the challenge left a great deal unsaid, although, one. cannot quarrel with his main contention that the glories of a cathedral service cannot be kept up without great expense. It is impossible, of course, to expect the heartiness of a parish service in the impressive surroundings of a great cathedral, and yet, in relation to the service, as such, there is a definite justification for the synodsmau's protest, unsupported though, it was by clergy or laity, kvhetlier the cathedral is overstaffed or is costing too much money to maintain we do not profess to say, but we rather think not. The services are beautiful and dignified, and yet many of the worshippers probably feel that to some extent they are there as auditors rather than as participants in the musical portion of the service at all events. However, the matter is purely domestic, and the Synod appears to be satisfied, although it would be interesting to hear a frank discussion on the subject.