LETTER FROM THE BISHOP

Waiapu Church Gazette, Volume XX, Issue 3, 2 September 1929, Page 2

LETTER FROM THE BISHOP

Bishopiscourt, Napier, August 21st. , 1929. My Dear People. — The Archbishop has .appointed Archdeacon Williams his Commissary to summon a special Synod for the purpose of electing- my successor m office as Bishop of the Diocese. Thursday, October 10th, has been chosen for this purpose. It is thought best that this should follow immediately upon our usual "Quiet Day," and before our ordinary session of Synod. I think it is generally known that m this election I have no part nor lot. This is as it should! he. But a retiring Bishop cannot do otherwise than take the deepest interest m the election of a successor. So niuch depends upon the right man being chosen, because on this appointment the future of the Diocese so largely rests. The right man is God's man ; and it is for those upon whom the choice of Bishop rests to find that man. There is only one way. If we are to find God's man it must be on His own way, the way of prayer. Heading the prayers published m our Diocesan Gazette is a prayer which 1 have authorised to be used until the election. The immediate responsibility rests with the members of Synod l , but the responsibility does not rest entirely .with them. It should be shared by all Church people 'm the Diocese. I therefore ask my clergy to use this prayer m the offices of the Church, especially at the celebrations of Holy Communion, so that their congregations may join with them m common prayer, and further, that individual members may use the prayer m their own private devotions. Our Lord Jesus Christ, the great Head of our Churdh, chose his own apostles and called them to their high office. So he still chooses. It is for us to recognise His choice. — I am, Yours faithfully and affectionately, Wm. WALMSLEY WAIAPU.