The Bishop's Letter.

Waiapu Church Gazette, Volume 11, Issue 9, 1 August 1945, Page 3

The Bishop's Letter.

Bishop's Court, Napier, ■ 17th July, 1945. My dear People, You will hear from many sources of the appeal for used clothing on behalf of the millions m Europe whom the war has left destitute. Of the urgent and pressing need, much has been said, and said well, by leaders of State, journalists, radio, etc., but I want to put the appeal from another, and a spiritual point of view. Many people, by neglecting the Christian duty of fasting, deprive themselves of a real factor m the Christian Life. Our Lord clearly taught the duty of fasting, and moreover He assured us that (like almsgiving) it is best done m secret. Something between God and ourselves alone. We spoil all "spiritual effort by parading it. This appeal for used clothing should strike a chord m every heart. We are meant to deny ourselves. That is the very essence of fasting. To discipline ourselves, and especially m respect to our bodies. And this is a case where the selfdiscipline will bring such intense relief to others. May our selfdenial be worthy of our gratitude to God for all that we have so freely enjoyed! I have been asked tiy some of the Clergy to publish my itinerary monthly m the 'Gazette," so that people may know wljere to communicate with me when necessary. This month I will be out of the Diocese until August Bth, as I have promised to undertake a Confirmation Tour for the Bishop of Wellington. That explains how places out of the Diocese appear on the list until August Bth. The period August 20th-25th is taken up with committee work m Wellington on behalf of the whole Province. In this issue of the "Gazette". l have used a special column headed "To the Clergy." Whatever comes under that heading is meant primarily for the Clergy of this Diocese. The Laity need not read it, and it certainly is not meant for controversy but as direction from the Bishop to the Clergy. The column may not appear often— in fact it is my wish to avail myself of it as little as possible, but when the words To the Clergy" do appear, I ask the Clergy please to note carefully and act accordingly. Yours sincerely, * CRAIG WAIAPU.