THE RITUAL QUESTION.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1225, 6 September 1911, Page 5

THE RITUAL QUESTION.

ADDKESS BY BISHOP JULIUS. \B» Tcloßraph.-Preea A.ssociation.l Christchurcb, September 5. Bishop Julius, in his opening address to the Anglican Synod (his afternoon, dealt at length with the subject of ritual. He discussed the use of vestments, and summed up by saying: "It appears that vestments are ordered to be used under the law of the Prayer Book by which alono we aro governed nikl controlled in such matters, that this view of the law obtained very widely when our Constitution was formed, and that the only Courts to which we Churchmen can appeal in the matter are our own Courts, duly constituted. It is not often that inconsistency strengthens any .man's position, and yet it may be that my explanation of the law on this subject* gains additional weight from the fact that I hnvo not obeyed it. Perhaps it is rij;ht that 1 should tell yon why. After nearly forty years' service in the ministry of the Church it is difficult to: change the u=o to which I have been accustomed. It is perhaps this feeling which gives me the perhaps sympathy with those Initv of (he Church who aro in the like position. As a parish priest I should certainly refuse to make any attempt to force (he rule of (he ornament rubric upon an unprepared and reluctant congregation. Any such action would, in my judgment, b'e eonfary to the, law of Christ. Ido not wish to maintain (hat no change should ever be made in n parish till everyone approves of it. After oil, aUbough'in sonic respects I dislike the system of patronage, it certainly avoids the danger of violent change, jnnsm'ucli as the nomination of n priest is, to n great extent, in (lie hands of tho parishioners. Once moreto define my own position as Bishop of (he diocese I consent to the wearing of vestments in a church accustomed to their use, but I shall certainly refuse under oilier conditions." The Bishop then briefly discussed tho use of wafer bread, and the practice of tho deration and adoration of the elements, and, in conclusion, said: "I havo a few words to say in conclusion on the whole subject. We havo seen that the Courts appointed for tho settlement of such differences are our own Church Courts. Now, I ask you to bear in mind that, under our canons, Hie Bishop who is denied any voice in 'he appointment of pastors has absolute, authority in the matter of discipline. If a charge- is Ijrougli't against any of his e'or.ry orodicebearers, the Bishop, if he thinks the charge to be frivolous and vexatious, or that the facts alleged am net sufficient to wnrrant further proceedings, may dismiss tho charge I am not asking for more (ban the Church has given me When I beg you to leave these matters in my hands. The' Prayer Book requires you to refer such questions tn the ordinary. 1 have never known any good whatever come of 'ritual trials,' and T know Hint they give abundant cause for (lie enemy to blaspheme. 1 believe that my cleray will loyally accept a.-ul obey the ruling of llieir Bishop, and I do not think that the laity, have any reason to doubt my sincerity, or rjuesl/ou my 'ore nf justice. I havo never failed, fo far as I know of, to show sympathy with men who differ from me, nnd, God helping me, nculier Evangelical nor High Churchman, faithfully doing God's work, shall ever sufl'cr at my hands." ,