THE ELECTION OF THE BISHOP

Waiapu Church Gazette, Volume XX, Issue 4, 1 October 1929, Page 2

THE ELECTION OF THE BISHOP

■'-' •■•---■ ■• ■ ..■' (Contributed.) The time is how; close upon us when the members (clerical and ..lay) of Synod will have to face the very responsible duty of electing a new Chief Pastor for this Diocese. No doubt members m different parts of the Diocese have been for some time thinking over the question, and praying about it, without as yet feeling able to come to a definite conlclusion. There will probably be a general feeling that, if possible, some on should be looked for m the Dominion itself, for the reason that they would best understand New Zealand conditions, and further that the time has come when the Church of the Province should be able to supply men 'of 'the 'calibre -required, who have given the best of their experience and their efforts to the building up of the Church, and should not be passed over. There may be differences of opinion as to the wisdom generally of selecting men m the Diocese, itself, but even if so this should not decide the question, for there may. be sufficiently strong reasons, on the other hand, to justify such selection, after due consideration of the question as it affectcs the Church as a whole. The subject needs to be approached with an open mind, apart from any "private interests or prejudices or passions." Fortunately m this Diocese we are practically free from any merely party spirit, so that one of the gravest obstacles to unity is removed from us. For this we may well thank God, and pray that the wonderful spirit of unity and fellowship that has characterized the Diocese m the past may still be preserved. Of one thing we may rest assured, that on whomsoever the selection falls, both clergy and laity will give him their wholehearted and loyal support, and regard him as the one chosen by God for the upholding the honour and prestige of the Ohurch m the Diocese, and the carrying out of the responsible duties associated with his office.