NO PAID CLERGY

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 75, Issue 281, 28 November 1932, Page 2

NO PAID CLERGY

SUGGESTION BY BISHOP PREACHING FOR NOTHING THE EXAMPLE OF ST. PALL The opinion that there should be no paid clergy, and that two bishops, one in the North Island and one in the South Island, should be sufficient for New Zealand, was expressed by Bishop A. Cherrington in the course of a sermon at St. Peter’s Cathedral, Hamilton, jast Sunday. “Pounds, shillings and pence figure too much in our religion to-day,” nald His Lordship. “After 190 years, religion should he free- There should be men elected from the community to administer the sacraments and preach without any payment. The Church could then use all the. money for missions. “The Melanesian Mission has suffered a big loss in the wreck of the Southern Cross, and through lack of funds the missionaries have to face stipend “cuts.” A “cut” in Melanesia is far worse in its effects than >ne applied to stipends in New Zeaaud. If we had unlimited means we •ould evangelise the whole world in 100 years.” Continuing. Bishop Cherrington mentioned that the advent of the new Church year was at hand and he appealed for more regular attendance at services and more earnest prayer. Amplifying his remarks in a% interview this evening, Bishop Chorring said it was very difficult to give •hristmas teaching to people whose Christmas season fell in midsummer. Ihe schools were closed and people flocked to the seaside and other holiday resorts. He thought that Christmas in New Zealand should be observed in June, and Easter in September. “Christian gospel,” said Bishop Cherrington, “should be free to all.” St. Paul would not take money for his services as a preached. He was a tent maker. Speaking of his reference to the need of the mission fields, the bishop said if every Christian pulled

his weight there would be no shortage of money for missionary effort. After 1900 years of Christianity Christian parents should be able to instruct their children as well as a parson could. Parents also could prepare their children for confirmation. He suggested that godly men in the community should b<* elceted and ordained

to adminster baptism and Communion, and also load the congregations in church services. These men would follow their ordinary occupations and would not be paid for services to the Church. li nance, concluded Bishop Cherrington. loomed too largely in Church , affair- It hindered religion.