Anglo-Catholic Priests In Conference.

Waiapu Church Gazette, Volume 36, Issue 7, 1 October 1945, Page 13

Anglo-Catholic Priests In Conference.

The Roseneath Parish Hall, at Wellington, was the scene of a conference of Anglo-Catholic priests. The main purpose of the gathering was to study certain reecnt developments and trends m the Church of the Province m the light of the historic Catholic principles of Church order and government. The convention was representative, by presence or apology, of " all but one of the Dioceses of -New Zealand. Messages of goodwill were received from the Bishop of Wellington . and from several chaplains serving with the forces. Many of the papers and much of the discussion were concerned with, the problems of .pastoral work m the present war conditions and m * the period of reconstruction which is to follow. The^questio.n of re-union received much attention. The con-

ference was eager to take part m anything' that would help the cause of re-union, and when it expressed criticism of some recent proposals and tendencies are likely m the long run to hinder rather- than to help that cause. The following resolutions were passed, and have been sent to the Bishops of the Province: — 1. Religion m Schools: That this conference affirms the principle, of Church teaching for Church children and protests against, the acceptance of any undenominational form of - religious instruction as suitable or satisfactory for such children. 2. The South India Scheme: That inquiry be made from the Bishops 1 of the Province about the policy to be adopted with reference to the letter from the Metropolitan of India to the Primate of the Church of the . Province of New Zealand. 3. Co-operation with Other Christian Communions: (a) That each member of this conference pledgeshimself not to take part m any "combined services." (Note — This was carried by a majority; those who voted against it did so on the ground, that they wished to make an exception m favour of a "combined service" on Anzac Day.) (b) That the conference views with grave alarm, and protests against, the practice of inviting ministers of other bodies to preach m church. That the conference protests also against any of the clergy of the church preaching m churches of other bodies, more especially when such an action violates the- canonical rights of the parish priest. 4. Towards Re-union: (a) That this conference records its convictionthat the best contribution the clergy; can make to the re-union of Chris- ; tendom is to teach clearly the faith and practice of the Church. (b) That m the opinion of this convention it is desirable that meetings be held for the discussion of those subjects on which Christian people are divided, and that at such meetings the teaching and*, claims of the Church should be clearly set forth by competent and authorised exponents. The conference made arrangements for meeting again, probably m May, 1946, when it is hoped that laymen and women may take some part. Visitors to the conference were' deeply indebted to the vicar and people of Roseiieath for gracious and abundant hospitality and for the privilege of sharing m their worship, especially m the 'beautiful services of Candlemas. [Note. — Due to being mislaid this report has .been inadvertently delayed m its publication.— Editor. ]