LETTER FROM THE BISHOP

Waiapu Church Gazette, Volume XXI, Issue 1, 1 July 1929, Page 2

LETTER FROM THE BISHOP

Napier, June 20th, 1929. •My dear- People. It must be known to most of you, through the medium, of the daily press, that I have placed) my resignation m the hands of the Archbishop, to take effect at the end of the year. 1 am sure you will understand that 1 have only taken this step after much thought and prayer, because I think that the Diocese of Waiapu needs a younger man to do the work of a Bishop. I have still some powers of work, which. 1 hope to use m the service ot : the Church, but I have reached that age (I am seventy-one this year) when, as each year passes, one loses that freedom and force so necessary m leadership, without which, the work of the Diocese must suffer. I do not want my Diocese so to suffer^ As regards my own feelings m taking this step 1 feel I dare not speak. I do thank God from the depths of my heart for the loyalty and. affection of my clergy; for the support andl help of my faithful laity; for the innumerable kindnesses shown to me toy many m so many ways and on so many ■ occasions-. ' I pray that the spirit of unity so manifest m the Diocese will grow and deepen as time goes on. I am quite unable tp answer the many kind letters that have come to me since my resignation -be'caine known, which. 1 value more than : I can say. They come as tokens of regard and affection for me personally, m spite of my failures and shortcomings, and they have cheered me much at this trying time. I do thank the writers most sincerely. • Youi's faithfully 'and affectionately, : W m ; : .Walnisley Waiapu.