CHURCH OF ENGLAND

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 223, 20 September 1928, Page 22

CHURCH OF ENGLAND

THE EMPOWERING BILL.

PARTIES READ AGREEMENT.

COMMITTEE'S REPORT ADOPTED,

(By Telegraph.—Parliamentary Reporter.)

WELLINGTON, Wednesday.

The Sclcct Committee of the House of Representatives which had considered the t'hiirch of England Empowering Bill reported to-day that it should proceed with some amendments. One specifically provides that "nothing in the bill shall interfere with the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court," and another amendment to clause . r > provides "that if an appeal has been lodged against the decision of the Synod, arid a new diocese has been created before the final vote of the (ieneral Synod, the newly appointed l>ishop and additional' members of the tribnnal'appointed in consequence of the creation of the new diocese shall,not take, part in considering the appeal." Mr. Atmore (Nelson) stated that Reveral objectors to the bill had appeared hefore the committee • and- -expressed themselves as satisfied with the .safer guards against doctrinal changes. These could only be effected by a two-thirds majority of each order, which meant that votes could prevent any change. Mr. Harris (Waitemata) suggested that the bill should again stand over, so that full information regarding its changes could be circulated among'church people. The fears he at first entertained regarding the bill had disappeared as the result of the promoters and objectors coming -together. Mr. Girling (Wairau) stated that only a few small alterations had been made in the bill as he originally introduced it. All parties were agreed regarding the measure, and there was a complete safeguard against' alterations in the constitution which might prejudice the Church. Mr. Hockly (chairman of the committee) pointed out that the bill would make it much more difficult to alter th e . Church constitution than at present. The most important statement made to the committee was that of the Archbishop of New Zealand, who eaid the disestablishment of the Church in England was not tho impossibility many people believed. Next month the bishop# would meet in conclave to decide on'that policy. Tho committee's report was adopted.