The Press THURSDAY, JUNE 9, 1966. Bishop-Elect

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31081, 9 June 1966, Page 16

The Press THURSDAY, JUNE 9, 1966. Bishop-Elect

Dean Pyatt’s appointment as the next Bishop of Christchurch confirms and enlarges a break with tradition in the diocese. Although he has been in Christchurch for only four years he is a familiar and respected figure in the community. The diocese has chosen as Bishop a man of the people, a typical New Zealander by background and experience, but clearly a man of unmistakable Christian conviction with the courage to present the Christian view forthrightly. This forthrightness would be less effective were it not accompanied by an awareness of public attitudes and a knowledge of public affairs.

This appointment is notable because the electoral Synod has again recognised the appropriateness of selecting a local nominee, a priest whose experience ensures that he has a close understanding of local and contemporary New Zt land life. Dean Pyatt’s conception of Christianity as an all-embracing doctrine for the guidance of individual and community life promises well for his episcopacy. As Bishop, he will see to it that the Christian point of view is expressed on the issues of the times in the language of the times. The view may not always be popular or convenient It often needs to be expressed by a spokesman who is unafraid of public opinion, and one in whom the community has confidence. Dean Pyatt’s liberal views on social questions are founded on compassion for the needy and the underprivileged. His thoughts on the unity of the Churches are in advance of those of most of his colleagues. This is a subject he has attacked with urgency and vigour and the weight now added to his opinions with the approval of the Church throughout the Dominion is likely to make itself felt beyond the boundaries of the diocese. He has made it clear that he is among those who believe that the future of the Christian Church as an effective force in the world will depend upon the early success of the ecumenical movement.

Less known than most of his work has been his counselling of individuals and his determined but diplomatic efforts to make religion meaningful to professed Christians and non-Christians. This has called for more than competence as a theologian. It has required a practical knowledge of human behaviour and individual problems, especially of the spiritual and moral problems of young persons. In this he has been notably successful, more so because he has presented the Church as an institution appropriate to modem times. He has also been counsel to priests of the diocese; and this augurs well for his role as an administrative and spiritual leader. In the term of Bishop Warren the diocese has been guided through a period of substantial change. The choice of Dean Pyatt as Bishop Warren’s successor is an assurance that future changes, where called for, will maintain the Church as an instrument well suited to the character of the diocese —and the times.