PAN-ANGLICAN CONGRESS.

Dominion, Volume 2, Issue 336, 24 October 1908, Page 5

PAN-ANGLICAN CONGRESS.

A NEW ZEALANDER'S IMPRESSIONS. CBX TEIEGRAFH—rEESS ASSOCIATION.) Chrlstohuroh, October 23. At to-day's sitting of the Diocesan Synod, Mr. J. Studholmej of the delegates from the Christchuroh diocese to the Pan-Anglican Congress, addressed tho Synod on the work of the Congrosa. Mr. Studholme said the keynote of the Congress was not one of self glorification, but one of penitenco and sorrow that tho Church had not made the best use of her opportunities in the past, but she was determined to do better in the future. A note struok quite'as strongly as any other, ho said, was' the call to service and personal oonseoration.' . The Bishop of Stepney, whom the speaker desoribed as "the apostle of the laymen," was especially prominent in emphasising the' duties of the laity. He was much struck with the interest displayed by the publio in the 'proceedings, the present Prime Minister and tho late Prime Minister (Mr.. Balfour) taking part in the discussions. Tho meeting relating to reunion with Protestant bodies was' a most interesting one,-all of speakers declaring in favour of union, but opinions were divided upon tho details of tho desirable change. The most liberal speakor oamo from the Scottish Episcopal Church, tho delegates from which agreed that tho only differences between them and the Presbyterian Church wore questions of flnanoe and church government. They were willing to merge almost unconditionally, and the more liberal the views that were expressed, the greater tho applause of the meeting,'_ In regard to tho meetings dealing with social matters, the pervading note was one of Socialism—not Socialism of the bad typo, robbing -Peter to pay Paul—but the sontiment of being dissatisfied with principles of solf interest. A good deal was said about State interference, and many of the speakers would- havo gono a long way towards it. The speaker's opinion was that the Congress had quickoned the life of the Church at Home,, and none of tho delegates could fail to havo had his horizon broadened and his confidence strengthened in the' ultimata triumph of good over evil.