CHOOSING THE BISHOP.

Press, Volume LXI, Issue 18402, 8 June 1925, Page 10

CHOOSING THE BISHOP.

# MEETING OF THE. ELECTORAL SYNOD. / Arrangements are now completed for the special session of the Christehurch Synod, which is to choose the third Bishop of the diocese. The- Commissary, Dean Carrington, has formally convened the special Synod for to-mor-row at 11.15 a.m. in St. John's schoolroom, which, together with the church, has been placed at the disposal of the diocese by the vicar. "The Synod," states the "Church News," "will assemble for an Intercession service this evening at 8 o'clock in the Cathedral, when ouly the clergy officiating will robe. At this- service it is hoped that the laity, of the city at least, will endeavour to be present, as it is not merely a service for the synodsmen, but a great corporate act of intercession of the whole diccese for the guidance of the Holy Spirit. The service has been specially arranged with that object in view, and it is hoped that the difference between thi3 service and an ordinary Synod service will be noted. Usually the nave is quito well filled for the Synod service, the members alone numbering nearly a'couple of hundred. On this occasion the Cathedral should be crowded, and the clergy are asked to invite their congregations to attend for tho corporate intercession. An opportunity will be given the laity to take part also on the following morning at Holy Communion in the Cathedral at 7.30, tho sorvice being plain, with a few hymns. After tho service breakfast will bo taken by members of Synod at an adjoining restaurant, and at 10 a.m. the members will nssemblo in St. John's Church Yo r a 'quiet hour,' the devotions of which will be conducted by the Ven. Archdeacon J. D. Eussell, of Oamaru. In a sense, this and the early Sacrament will be the special preparation of the synodsmen for their meeting, and it is desired that every member who possibly can will attend theso hours of prayerful preparation, setting aside as" far as may be the distractions of ordinary business. It has happened but once in tho lifetime of tho oldest member of Synod that he has been called upon to elect the highest officer of the Church; perhaps it has never before fallen to his lot to share in so critical a procedure; and please God it will be many a long year before the diocese is called upon to elect its fourth Bishop. The occasion therefore is one which calls for specially careful observance, and it- is notr-teo much to ask that, where at all possible, it should be the sole business of the day, free from all secular distraction." The "quiet hour" will close about ■IX a.m., and members will then proceed to the parish hall adjoining, where they will be seated as in ordinary Synods. There will be very little accommodation f6r the general public, but what provision possible is being made. Only the formal procedure of opening Synod and transacting such business incident to the special purpose of tho session as is not of a confidential nature, will be, open to the public. The Commissary will deliver an address to Synod as president, after the roll-call,. There is no official procedure laid down in the Canons save the formal nomination and election of the Bishop in open Synod. The conference is really Synod in committee, but the Canons do not contemplate definitely such joint informal deliberation, though separate conferences of clergy and laity arc provided. ' The intention of the joint conference is to ascertain the mind of tho Synod, and to arrive at as unanimous a choice au possible before bringing the matter to the public arena. With regard to the regulations for procedure it is suggested that names be , submitted in writing, each by any two' members, and after this preliminary -nomination, that the conference should adjourn without discussion, to resume when the public details of the careers of the nominated have been printed. -. These particulars will be circulated to members on their return, confidentially, and whatever other information may be in the possession of the committee will be communicated orally. It is proposed that opportunity then be given to all to ask questions or to make short statements about each name; after there, will be a space for spoken prayer and silence.