ANGLICAN CHURCH

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 84, Issue 44, 22 February 1940, Page 6

ANGLICAN CHURCH

CHANGE IN CONSTITUTION i DEFEATED GENERAL SYNOD MEETINGS MARKED DIFFERENCE OF OPINION [ Per Preu Association.J NELSON, i'ei 21. A Bill aiming at. the amendment el its constitution to provide for meetings of the General Synod every four years to replace the present provision tor triennial sessions was defeated on a division at the General Synod. The debate showed that there was a marked difference of opinion on the matter. Archbishop Averill suggested that the annual synods would give a gretter opportunity for the voice of Vie Church to be heard in economic, social and moral questions affecting the community generally. Others, including the Bishop of Dunedin, who moved the Bill, contended tin; the Gentra) Synod should be a legislative bodv meeting every four years with ciiurcr. congresses in the .n ,'cning periods. The Archbishop said it was the usual custom for other controlling bodies to meet annually. He could not help feeling that they were losing a lot in the Church of England by not having a representative body which met annually and was in a position to announce the opinion of the Church as a whole. His Grac/ felt it very necessary and important in these difficult days that there should be a definite voice of the Church. That was why he had ventured, in his charge to the synod, to mention the annual sessions though, perhaps, not with the present constitution. "I want progress,” said the Archbishop, "and, in spite of all that has been said, we want our Church to speak on the social, economic and moral questions of the country. As soon as we mention those subjects people say we are dabbling in politics —well let us dabble in politics if it is necessary to bring Christ into tne general lives of the people.” The result of the division was:--Bishops: Ayes three; noes four. Clergy: Ayes nine; noes fifteen. Lai'y: Ayes ten; noes fifteen. An announcement was made that the Bishop of Waiapu had accepted the appointment of senior chaplain in the Third Echelon. Archdeacon Hawkins was appointed senior chaplain in the province during Bishop Gerard's absence.