DIOCESAN SYNOD.

Globe, Volume IV, Issue 427, 26 October 1875, Page 3

DIOCESAN SYNOD.

Monday, October 25. The President took his seat at 4 p.m., and opened the proceedings with prayer. EXPLANATIONS. Mr Twentyman wished to say a few words in explanation and reply to what had fallen from the Bishop on Friday last. He had not himself heard the Bishop’s remarks, but from what he had heard outside he feared an impression had got abroad quite inconsistent with the facts, and the Bishop himself appeared to be under a mistake. He wished to state that he held the person and office of the Bishop in the highest reverence and respect, and hoped he, as well as the members of the Synod, would accept his assurances that neither in thought nor word had he attributed idolatry to the Bishop. He did not think that the word could be applied to anything the Bishop does or holds. He had never used the word in any letter addressed to the Bishop, or to anyone else in reference to him. He once used the word in conversation with the Bishop in reference to certain practices of an extreme party in the Church, and probably the mistake might have arisen in this way. As to the eastward position, turning to the east at the creed, bowing at the Holy name, the only thing he had ever ■aid of them might be expressed in the following extract from a letter he had occasion to write upon the subject:—“ That in themselves they are of no consequence, but they are made of consequence by those who use them, and they have been distinctly associated by the ritualistic party with doctrines which have never received the official sanction of our church authorities.” Exceptinthis connection he had no objection to them whatever. If practised because people have been used to them, or as an expression of individual devotion without symbolic meaning, there can be no objection to, them. He trusted that he had as much reverence for holy names and persons as any one in this Synod, but he had not been accustomed to use these outward forms. He further wished to remark that incorrect statements had been put in circulation as to his views on the Holy Communion, to the effect that he regarded it as an ordinary act of worship and of good fellowship on the part of those who partake of it. Such were not his views. He held the views set forth very fully and plainly in the service itself — Hon J. B. Acland rose to order. Mr Twentyman was going beyond explanation—he was referring to what had been said outaide the Synod. The President said that the matter on which Mr Twentyman wished to speak had not been referred to in the Synod, and it was therefore not advisable for Mr Twentyman to refer to it. The Dean said that he desired to ask permission of the Synod to make an explanation with regard to a letter which appeared in the PRESS that morning, and in which he was accused of shuffling conduct. - A Member —It is anonymous. The Dean—lt is anonymous, and it is cowardly because it is anonymous ; and it is false from beginning to end. Mr Webb—Were the statements made in this letter on statements made in the Synod ? The President —The letter in the paper arose out of what occurred in the Synod. Mr G. L, Lee would ask whether it was wise that anonymous letters should be taken hold of and brought before the Synod ? Mr Webb—Such a course would not be permitted either in the Provincial Council or the General Assembly. The Dean said it was stated in the letter that he had adopted the eastward position in churches where it was the practice to use it for the sake of uniformity of worship. He (the Dean) begged to state that he gave no such reason. Then with regard to the statement that he “ stood at the north-west corner,” wishing to use his (the Dean’s) own words to adopt “ the middle course.” This statement, he begged to say, was utterly false. Whenever he had taken the eastward position, he had stood full in the front, facing due east, and he had said nothing about the middle course at all. He did not care much for the statements contained in anonymous letters or what was said outside respecting him, but he did care for the good opinion of the members of the Synod, and to remove any unfavorable impression that might have been conveyed by the letter. The gravest part of the letter, however, was that which stated that as it was part of his (the Dean’s) duty to train young men for the Ministry, perhaps he adopted the method of speaking on both sides and voting in the middle in order that his pupils might have an example to follow. He gave such a statement an unqualified denial. He was sure that those who heard him speak on Friday would bear him out in saying that he certainly did not ■peak on both sides, and there was no voting at all on the question. He trusted that the writer of the anonymous letter was not a member of the Synod, but if he were, he (the Dean) would speak plainly, and he meant to say that the writer of that letter had written a false, slanderous, and cowardly libel. Rev H. J. Wills said he wished to make an apology for expressions made use of the other evening and to retract those expressions . PHOTOGRAPHING THE SYNOD, Rev E. A. Lingard said that Mr Wheeler was desirous of photographing the Synod free of charge. REGISTRATION. The report of the select committee on registration was brought up and read. ELECTION OK SYNODSMEN. Mr Mclntyre moved—“ For leave to introduce a Bill to amend Statute No 3, as follows :—Clause B—To strike out all the words after the word ‘ vacant ’ in the fourth line, and substitute the following— ‘A short adjournment of the Synod shall take place forthwith, for the purpose of enabling the lay members of the Synod to elect some person to fill the vacancy and any person so elected, upon his name being reported to the Synod by the lay secretary, shall be entitled to take his seat. Any vacancy which may occur during the session, from any other cause shall be filled up in the same manner.* ” He hoped that the clerical members would not suppose for a moment that he was actuated by any hostility to them in bringing forward this proposal. He had done 10 on account of the opinions which had been expressed by many members that a change in this direction was desirable ; and it was with much gratification that he had heard the remarks of his Lordship the other evening in favor of the vacant seats being filled by the lay members. The short adjournment was introduced to get over the difficulty that every act of the Bynod must be assented to "by the three orders, and he thought it quite

met the difficulty, inasmuch as nothing which took place during an adjournment of the Synod could be called in any sense an act of the Synod. An adjournment of a quarter or half an hour would be ample for the purpose, and the business would be very much facilitated, as an hour and a half, or two hours, would not be wasted, as was the case the other day. They had also had the rather anomalous proceeding of one rev gentleman nominating a candidate to catch the votes of those who were not voting with him, and then not voting for the person he had nominated, a piece of deception which one would hardly have expected from such a quarter. He trusted that the question would be decided on its merits, and that it would not be traversed by a motion to proceed to the next business—a course which ought only to be resorted to on very exceptional occasions. The practice was becoming too common, and the result would be that if it were persisted in very frequently it would work its own cure, and the standing order would be amended. He would ask the members to negative such an amendment if it were proposed, and to accept or reject the motion on its merits. The clergy had no vote in the return of lay members for the various districts, and there was no reason why they should vote in the election of members to fill vacancies which occurred during the session. He hoped the clerical members would see their way to make the proposed concession. Mr Gresson said that the Bill would be alteiing a fundamental principle of the constitution, that the election should take place only by one order. After a slight discussion the motion was agreed to, and the Bill brought in, read a first time, and ordered to be read a second time to-morrow. ADJOURNMENT FOR REFRESHMENT. Rev E. A. Lingard moved—“ That for the remainder of the session the time of adjournment be from 6.30 p.m, to 7 p.m.” The Synod divided on the motion — Ayes—Clergy ... 8 Laity... 30 Noes—Clergy ... 14 Laity... 13 The motion was consequently lost. QUESTIONS. Mr Mellish asked the President —I would ask your lordship whether the practice of mixing water with wine used at Holy Communion is sanctioned by your Lordship ? The President —The practice has not been sanctioned by me. Mr Mellish —I would ask 'your Lordship whether the practice of administering the Holy Communion in both kinds to a layman who may have taken part in the performance of the Church service to the extent of reading the lessons, before any others of the congregation are allowed to communicate, is sanctioned by your Lordship 1 The President —The practice has not been sanctioned by me. PARISH OF AVONSIDE. Rev H. Glasson moved —“That leave be given to bring in a Bill to amend Diocesan Statute No 3, schedule B, by substituting for the words ‘ the parish of Avonside one synodsman,’ the words ‘ the parish of Avonside two synodsmen and, in case of leave being given, that the Bill be read a first time.” The motion was agreed to and the Bill brought in, read a first time, and ordered to be read'a second time to-morrow. EXTENSION OF BENEFITS OF CHURCH PROPERTY TRUST. Rev E. A. Lingard moved “That in the resolution with respect to the ‘ Extension of benefits of the Church Property Trust beyond the Canterbury block ’ (Synod Report, p 56), the words ‘ so far as the stipends of the clergy are concerned,’ be expunged.” Mr Malet moved as an amendment that the matter be referred to a Select Committee to report, as there was not sufficient before the Synod. After a slight discussion the Synod divided on the amendment. Ayes—Clergy ... 9 Laity... 13 Noes—Clergy ... 10 Laity... 14 The amendment was consequently negatived. The Synod divided on the original resolution. Ayes—Clergy ... 11 Laity... 13 Noes —Clergy ... 9 Laity..._ 12 The motion was consequently carried. DESPATCH OP BUSINESS. Mr Malet moved—“ That, in the opinion of this Synod, it is desirable in order to facilitate the despatch of business that the standing committee should have in readiness, prior to the meeting of Synod, measures giving effect to the recommendations contained in their report, and that some member or members of the standing committee be appointed to introduce such measures,” The motion was agreed to on the voices. DIOCESAN AND GENERAL SYNODICAL STATUTES. The Dean moved “That it is expedient, in cases in which statutes or regulations of the Diocesan Synod are governed by statutes or regulations of the General Synod on the same subject, that the provisions^of the said statutes or regulations of the General Synod should either be embodied in the legislation of the Diocesan Synod on the same subject, or should appear on the face of the Synod report in connection with the said legislation : And that the standing committee be instructed to consider during the recess the best method of carrying out this object, and to draft such alterations in accordance therewith, as they may think desirable : And further, that they be instructed to attach analyses and side notes to such of the statutes, regulations, and standing orders of the Synod as seem to require them; such draft alterations, analyses, and side notes to be laid before the Synod at its next session.” The motion was agreed to, QUESTION. The Rev G. J, Cholmondeley asked, whether the judgments of the judicial committee of the Privy Council on points of ritual observance, to which high importance is attached by large parties in the Church of England, are judgments which the Church of the province of New Zealand is bound to obey ? The President replied—The only answer I am able to give is that in the ecclesiastical province of New Zealand the General Synod alone hath authority to ordain, change, and abolish ceremonies or rites of the Church ordained by man’s authority. DIOCESAN SERVICES. Archdeacon Harper moved —“That in the pro-cathedral Church of St Michael and All Angels, when occasion may arise for services of a diocesan nature, it is expedient that the incumbent and the parish officers of St Michael’s, be requested

to arrange for the conduct of such services as the Bishop may direct.” The motion was negatived on the voices. STATUTE NO. 4 AMENDMENT BILL.

Mr Walker moved —“ For leave to introduce a Bill to amend Statute No 4 by addition of new clause ;—No person holding any office of emolument under the vestry of any parish or parochial district shall be eligible for the office. of churchwarden or vestryman in that parish or parochial district,” Mr Hobden moved the following addition : —“ And that no person being already a churchwarden or vestryman of any parish or parochial district, shall be competent to undertake any such office of emolument without resigning.” The addition was agreed to, and the resolution as amended was also agreed to. The Bill was brought in, read a first time, and ordered to be read a second time to-morrow. CHURCH MUSIC. Mr Hamilton moved with reference to regulation 16, page 38, Proceedings of Synod, 1874—“ I. That the tunes for Psalms and Hymns sung at the ordinary public services shall be so selected, that the whole congregation may be fairly able to join in the singing. 2. That, excepting the anthem, the Psalms and Hymns appointed for any ordinary service shall be chosen from the Psalm or Hymn Book commonly in use in each church. 3. That the Bishop shall decide on all objections made to him by the vestry or the parishioners respecting the character of the music and singing used at the ordinary services.” He said that he was induced to bring forward this resolution, because in the opinion of many persons the musical portions of the service were becoming far too ornate, and there was a growing disposition on the part of some to disapprove of these services. Insteadof the singing being congregational, as it ought to be, it was confined to the choir, and this he thought was objectionable. After some discussion the second and third resolutions were by leave withdrawn, and the first having been prefaced by the words “It is desirable,” was agreed to on the voices. RELIGIOUS EDUCATION. Archdeacon Harper moved —“ 1. That this Synod deeply regrets that the diocesan education committee during the past year has been unsuccessful in its efforts to obtain leave from the district committees of the Government schools in Christchurch and elsewhere, to allow times to be set apart for religious instruction. 2. That this Synod expresses its earnest hope tliat the school authorities who have the right of permitting religious instruction in schools, will, in future, so far as lies in their power, recognise the grave responsibility of this power placed in their hands, and will permit the clergy to have all reasonable opportunities of fulfilling their responsibility to the young and to the Legislature of this province.” In moving the adoption of the resolutions the Archdeacon dwelt on the necessity of religious education to the young on week days as well as on Sundays. All that they could give in Sunday Schools was the sentiment of religion, without the history of their faith and the history of the Bible, and this could be done if as formerly they had church schools. But this was not likely to be the case probably for some years, and the next best thing to be done was to endeavor to procure access to the Government schools, so as to impart religious instruction in the day schools. The archdeacon then briefly recapitulated what was done last year by the Synod, in order to attain this object. He thought if they were to apply again in a respectful and dignified manner to the local committees that perhaps something might be effected, especially if it were urged that if they recognised the responsibility of giving children a religious education in the day time, they would be anxious to afford facilities to the clergy for giving such instruction to the children in the day schools. He thought that they should not desist from their attempt until they had a definite understanding that the Government were determined to give nothing more than a purely secular education. Mr Gresson, in seconding the motion, said that however desirable religious education might be in the district schools, it was very obvious that the religious instruction given therein was jwholly inadequate to meet the requirements of the young. Mr Harman said that however desirable it might be to impart religious instruction daily to children, it must be remembered that the Government schools contained the children of Nonconformists and Roman Catholics, who would strenously oppose any attempt on the part of the clergy to give religious instruction. At the same time he felt bound to state that the amount of re ligious instruction now imparted in the Government schools was greater than when the clergy could formerly impart religious instruction in schools. Mr Thomas said he believed that the committees were and always had been ready to meet the clergy, but they were unwilling to take upon themselves the responsibility of organising a system of religious instruction. Rev B. A. Lingard denied the accuracy of the statement made by Mr Harman that there was greater religious instruction given now in the district schools than was formerly given Jin the church schools. Besides, the Provincial Council Ordinance expressly stated that no religious instruction should be given in the schools, and if religious instruction was given by the teachers in the district schools it was in direct contravention of the Provincial Council Ordinance. He might state, with regard to the proposition by the East Christchurch Committee, that it was so fettered by conditions that it was found impossible to agree to it, and, moreover, he believed it would be cruel to agree to the proposal of the committee to give religious instruction out of school hours. Rev H. E, Carlyon suggested that the children belonging to the Church should be withdrawn from the schools for an afternoon during the week, say on Tuesdays, for the purpose of giving them religious instruction. If this were done other denominations would follow, and the committee would have to close the school for that afternoon. This plan had been adopted with success in one of the district schools.

The Dean said that if ths Synod advisedly sanctioned the plan mentioned by Mr Carlyon, he for one would join in it, but it must be clearly understood that it was adopting a change of position. Hitherto the Synod had proceeded by way of petition, but this having failed the church could not abdicate her responsibility of giving religious instruction to the young. The time was therefore come when it was necessary to adopt a different course, though it might seem one of antagonism. He pointed out that,in the Standards lately issued that even

Sacred History formed no portion of the curriculum of study.

Mr Tancred said that as a member of a school committee he could definitely state that Sacred History was taught in the schools, and was not forbidden by the Education Ordinance as stated by Mr Lingard. The committee had thought over the matter very seriously, and had come to the conclusion that it was undesirable to break in upon the school hours for religious in struction, as it was feared the children would go home instead of attending for religious instruction. There was no objection to religious instruction being given out of school hours.

Rev Canon Dudley expressed his surprise at the statement made by Mr Harman, as it was well known that religious instruction was given in church schools. They had nothing to fear if the Church would be only true to herself, and endeavor to give religious instruction in the district schools, and failing, in this to try again to establish their church schools.

Mr MTntyre briefly defended the statement made by Mr Harman, Mr Hawkes said that they might rest perfectly satisfied that the West Christchurch committee never would consent to give up a day, or even a half day, for religious instruc" tion. The only plan he saw likely to succeed was to endeavour to carry out the suggestion made by Mr Carlyon, who was deserving of their thanks for bringing it forward, Mr Walker said that, after a great deal of thought, he had come to the conclusion that the religious instruction now given in the district schools laid a good foundation upon which to build the religious instruction of the church. Perhaps the best thing to be done would be to follow out the suggestion of Mr Carlyon. Rev B. R. Oatway thought that the best way to meet the difficulty would be for the clergy to use their utmost endeavors to give religious instruction on every possible occasion.

Mr Stedman was of opinion that the plan proposed by Mr Carlyon would not answer in the country districts, although it might in towns. Rev J. H. Wills moved as an amendment to the second resolution —“That this Synod expresses its earnest hope that in the event of any local committee refusing to set apart any time for religious instruction during school hours, the clergyman in that place will use his utmost endeavors to give religious instruction elsewhere.”

Archdeacon Harper replied, and contended that if the clergy had neglected their duty in the past it was no reason why they should neglect it in the future. He was grieved to see that the subject which was of the deepest importance as affecting their duty to the young, the church, and to God, appeared to regarded with indifference. He trusted that the first resolution would be agreed to, and he was willing to withdraw the second, and would accept the resolution moved by Mr Wills. The first resolution was agreed to on the voices. Leave having been given, the second resolution proposed by Archdeacon Harper was withdrawn, and that moved by Mr Wills agreed to on the voices. STATUTE NO 5 AMENDMENT BILL. Mr Walker moved for leave to introduce a Bill to amend Statute No 6 by the addition of new clause—“ No person holding any office of emolument under the vestry of any parish shall be eligible for the office of parochial nominator for that parish.” The motion was agreed to, the Bill brought in, read a first time, and ordered to stand for the second reading to-morrow. Notices of motion having been given, the Synod adjourned until 4 p m. this day.