Diocesan Farewell To Bishop Warren

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31094, 24 June 1966, Page 12

Diocesan Farewell To Bishop Warren

Clergy and laymen from all parts of the Diocese of Christchurch filled the Winter Garden last evening to say farewell to the retiring Bishop of Christchurch (the Rt. Rev. A. K. Warren). Also there were representatives of many other denominations, including the Roman Catholic Bishop of Christchurch (the Most Rev. B. P. Ashby).

The Mayor (Mr G. Manning) spoke in appreciation of the contribution Bishop Warren has made to civic life and to the welfare of Christchurch. He said that Bishop Warren’s position as Chancellor of the University of Canterbury exemplified his services to educational and social institutions.

Mr Manning said that Bishop Warren’s work had been a wonderful combination of religious leadership and participation in the social and educational advancement of the people. In Bishop Warren Christchurch had a link with the early history of New Zealand. He was a great-grandson of the missionary, Henry Williams, who had done much to gain acceptance of the Treaty of Waitangi by the Maoris. “Thank you on behalf of the Christchurch City Coun-

cil and the citizens of Christchurch for a job well done,” said Mr Manning. Pastoral Experience

Mr E. C. Champion, Chancellor of the diocese, said that 23 organisations were represented at the meeting, as well as representatives of other denominations. He spoke of Bishop Warren’s friendliness to all with whom he had been associated, and of his earlier service to parishes in South Westland, Waimate, and Merivale.

“I imagine,” said Mr Champion, “that few bishops, prior to their elevation, have gathered such extensive pastoral experience.” Speaking on behalf of the clergy, the Ven. H. M. Cocks said that Bishop Warren had come to the bishopric a few years after the war, at a time of great upheaval of ideas, of population expansion, of reorganisation in the Church, and of a great period of building. Since 1951 the number of confirmations had increased from fewer than 1000 to 2000, and the number of clergy from 77 to 104. Archdeacon

Cocks said this was an indication of the immense growth of Bishop Warren’s work and of the problems associated with it “The growth of the Church has brought a new urgency of stewardship,” he said, “and the clergy are grateful for your leadership and guidance. You have always kept your head above water and enabled us to do the same.” Archdeacon Cocks said the post-war period needed men of Bishop Warren’s stature, and the clergy were grateful that he had been there to meet the challenge. The clergy were also grateful to Bishop Warren for the pastoral attention he had paid to their needs when they were in distress.

Bishop Replies Bishop Warren said that during his years in the diocese he had seen every parish spreading out into the community, and this had been possible only by team work, with the backing of both laity and clergy. “All the work that the laity has led and shared in has been a tremendous help,” he said. “The work of a bishop is primarily his interest in people and his contact with people. When you become a dean or bishop you lose that intimate contact with people in their homes. You have a new set to get to know —the clergy and their families.” Bishop Warren revealed that he carried a book in his car in which he had written the Christian names of vicars’ wives and children, church wardens, and vestrymen. “I suppose doctors do it, too,” he said: “There are tricks to every trade.” Bishop Warren thanked the gathering for their kindness and understanding, and thanked the Mayor for the part he had played in supporting Christian activities. “As I look forward to the future,” he said, “I am delighted that the synod has chosen Allan Pyatt to be the next bishop. In him I know you will find a man of vision, vigour, and vitality who will lead the diocese forward.”