DIOCESAN SYNOD.

Globe, Volume VII, Issue 741, 3 November 1876, Page 2

DIOCESAN SYNOD.

Tuesday, October 31. MANAGEMENT OF CHURCH PROPERTY. On the first order of the day being called, the Synod went into committee to consider Mr Malet’s resolutions re the management of Church property, as follows 1. “ That the thanks of the Synod be given to the commissioners appointed to examine and report upon the Church Property Trust Estates for their report.” Carried, 2. “ That in the opinion of the Synod the appointment of a paid Board for the management of the Church property, as suggested by the Commission, would be conducive to the interests of the various estates."

3. “ That the Synod regrets that without legislative authority it is unable to adopt the recommendations of the Commissioners ; but with a view of availing itself as far as possible of their suggestions, the Synod sanctions the appropriation of & annually, to be distributed amongst the Trustees for their trouble, and in recognition of the responsibility incurred by them in the discharge of their duties."

4. “ That it be a recommendation to the Church Property Trustees to lay before the Synod annually a detailed report showing their dealings during the preceding twelve months with the several estates under their control."

Resolution No 1 had been agreed to when the resolutions were in committee previously. With leave of the committee resolutions 2 and 3 were withdrawn by the mover. Mr Malet moved the 4th resolution, and, at the suggestion of Archdeacon Dudley, accepted the addition of the following words —"and the Christchurch Diocesan Board of Trustees." The resolution was put and agreed to, the Synod resumed and the chairman reported progress. Mr Malet moved—“ That the resolutions agreed to by the committee be adopted by the Synod,” The Dean seconded the motion, which was agreed to. INCUMBENTS AND THEIR PARISHIONERS. The debate on Archdeacon Harper’s resolution—“ That it be a recommendation to the General Synod to give the necessary effect to the following resolution—‘That whenever it may appear to the Bishop of the diocese that in any parish circumstances have arisen which preclude harmonious action between the incumbent and bis parishioners, and that such circumstances are not provided for or contemplated by the Statutes Nos 9 and 10 General Synod, entitled the Ecclesiastical Tribunal Statute and Ecclesiastical Offences Statute respectively, it shall be lawful for the Bishop to summon a committee as hereinafter provided, to investigate such a case in such manner as may seem best to them ; and if it shall be decided by them that the said incumbent shall resign his cure, it shall be lawful for the Bishop to declare such cure vacant. The above mentioned committee to consist of four members—namely, two of the clerical and two of the lay members of the Standing Committee of the diocese, who shall be selected for the purpose by the Bishop,’ ” was resumed by Mr Malet, who said he did rot propose to avail himself at that moment of the opportunity of addressing the Synod. Archdeacon Willock moved the first of the following amendments a. “That all the words after ‘it ’ in the 3rd line as far as ‘ parish ’ in the sth line be omitted for the purpose of inserting the following words —‘ shall be represented to the Bishop of the diocese in a memorial signed by not less than two-thirds in number of the registered male members of the Church, being communicants resident in the parish that in the same— ’ ” h. “ That after ‘a’ in the 13th line the words ' committee as hereinafter provided’ be omitted for the purpose of inserting the words ‘meeting of the Standing Committee,’ ” c, “ That the word ‘them’ in the 16th line be omitted for the purpose of inserting the words ‘ a majority of not less than two-thirds of the Standing Committee.’ " d. “ That all the words after ‘ vacant ’ on the 19th line be omitted." The Dean seconded the amendment.

Mr Walker moved—“ That the secretary read the letters of institution as printed in the report of Synod.” Rev Mr Paige seconded the motion, which was agreed to, and the secretary read the letters

Mr Walker had moved the reading of the letters for the purpose of drawing attention to the fact that the mover and seconder of the resolution and amendments were clergymen holding similar letters to those read. He would like to know whether they desired to surrender the rights they held under them, as he looked upon the resolution as going very much to strengthen the hands of the laity. If the resolution and amendments were put into force the result would be a great deal more disastrous to the clergy than they seemed to imagine. [Hear, hear.J At present an incumbent could retire with a certain amount of halo around him, but if adjudged by a tribunal, he would, if he tried to obtain employment in another parish, go to them with an amount of stigma attached to him. He felt certain it would be better to leave things as they were—[Hear, hear] —as any clergyman who had exercised the powers held by him would be unlikely to do so again, It would, in his opinion, be unwise to legislate for exceptional circumstances, and it would also, in his opinion, be better for both the mover of the resolution and amendment to reconsider their action, [Hear, hear. - ] her G. J. Cholmondeley thought it would be injudicious if any pressure of the kind attempted were brought to bear upon any clergyman, as the Bishop had the power at any time to enquire into complaints made by parishioners, and a rebuke from his lordship would be a punishment that would be severely felt. Ample provision was now held too by the parishioners, through recognized officers, to make any complaint against their clergyman’s conduct. If the inquiry proposed to be held were either public or private the method would be equally objectionable. He would draw the attention of the Synod to the words of the resolution, that the Commissioners were not only to have the power to investigate a case, but also to decide upon it, and he would ask whether any clergyman would desire to be placed in the position of recommending the removal of a brother clergyman from his cure simply through a case of, say, incompatibility of temper. Occasions might arise when the Commissioners might be found to strain at the gnat of incompatibility of temper, and swallow the camel of error jf doctrine or viaiousness of life. He (Mr Cholmondeley) hoped that this reso

lution would be consigned to that limbo of rejected resolutions where they are never heard of more. He sincerely trusted that no exceptional case, however ugly, would cause them to rush at once into hurried legislation. [Hear, bear -] He bad been ex ‘ ceedingly pleased to bear from what fell from Mr Walker that there was no antagonism on this question between the clergy and laity. It was perhaps desirable that some measures should be taken, but not those proposed in either resolution or amendment, and he would again suggest that it would be better to let things remain as they are. [Hear, hear:] ?; Mr Hartnan said that the remarks which had fallen from the member (a clergyman) who had just sat down made him feel all the more glad that the resolution and amendments had been moved by clergymen, and clergymen of such experience. The last speaker had suggested as one means of prevention that a clergyman should not be inducted into a cure immediately after arrival. This course had been taken, but had not resulted as satisfactorily as Mr Cholmondeley considered it would do. The other course of reference to his Lordship suggested by that gentleman had also been tried, and also advice given by the Bishop, without the result pointed out being attained. He (Mr Harman) had not decided which which way he should vote on the question until he heard opinions expressed by other members of the clergy. He could conceive no reason why the absolute tenure of office should be of such paramount necessity. He considered there must be some good reason in the mind of the mover of the resolution for his action, but he (Mr Harman) saw no reason why the course proposed by both Archdeacons Harper and Willock should be adopted. He had come that night prepared to receive instruction, and he trusted the clergy would speak their minds plainly on the resolution, if only as a guide for the laity. , , . Rev H. C. M. Watson, after replying to Mr Harman’s remarks, referred to the want of public opinion in Christchurch to prevent the causes for the present discussion, and the action of the newspapers here in taking no notice of circumstances occurring in the Church on which newspapers in the other colonies would have expressed themselves both plainly and firmly. If it were found necessary to get rid of a clergyman, this should only be done in a constitutional way. I Hear, hear.] Archdeacon Wilson felt there was a real evil existing amongst us which would not, as some of the speakers supposed, be so easily disposed of. Though the laity might in some respects be to blame, the clergy would not say that they were not servants of the laity for Christ’s sake, and if the former were taking courses which were the cause of dispute, whatever might be the result, it would not bring them nearer to heaven, and under such circumstances, he considered the laity had much ground for complaint. He did not think that either the motion or amendment would be the means of bringing about the result hoped for by the movers. The present discussion had arisen out of differences and quarrels, and the course laid down •in the Synodical statutes for dealing with 'these was very imperfect. He would prefer that a select committee, composed of the most competent men amongst them, should be appointed a select committee to sit during the present session of the Synod, and towards the end of the session bring up an ad interim report of the progress made by them, but continue to hold their places and sit on up to the meeting of the General Synod in January next; in the meantime to take up Statutes IX and X and see whether they needed addition or alteration, and make a new draft introducing some provisions more complete than at present existed. [Hear, hear,] Rev W. H. Cooper considered the resolution and amendment most one-sided legislation, as they only applied to incumbents, and he saw no provision in them for removing a Dean if he had differences with his chapter, or an Archdeacon if there existed some little incompatibility of temper between him and the Archdeaconry. [Laughter.] The resolution would not affect him personally, but would press hardly on clergymen with large families. Though if desired by his Bishop he would be willing to go to the farthest part of the diocese, still he could stand a good deal of starving out—[laughter] —and he had on some occasions felt thankful that, though a married man, he had no family. [Laughter.] He must say that the action of some persons in one parish—and he would mention it plainly, he alluded to St Michael’s—was a blot on the annals of the church in Christchurch. Neither fair play nor justice had been shown, and the proceedings taken were disgraceful to those who had inaugurated them, and, as he said before, were a blot on the annals of the Church here. The result of the resolution would be that a clergyman’s wife might, through jealousy, give offence and he be turned out of office. If this insecurity of tenure were to obtain, no clergyman having the independent feelings of a gentleman could submit to this, and the cures would be filled by a number of machines who would carry out certain ecclesiastical exercises. There was one good that would come out of this, and that was, that they would be able to see who they should send forward to the General Synod to protect their rights. It would be a bad thing if they were to send forward clergy who would permit their liberties to be undermined, and not protect them in the security of their tenure of office. \ Hear,] Mr H. B; Gresson had, like Mr Harman, been undecided how he should vote, but after hearing the remarks of speakers he had made up his mind to vote against both resolution and amendment. [Hear, hoar.] He felt that the feeling of insecurity of tenure by clergymen would be a most serious matter for the Church, and he considered that every clergyman should feel he could not be removed except by law, [Hear.] , Archdeacon Willock said that a a it seemed to be the wish of the Synod that both resolution and amendment should be withdrawn he was willing to adopt that course. [Hear, hear.] If the resolution were withdrawn, his amendment would of course fall to the grouud. He did not however desire to do so if Archdeacon Harper objected. Archdeacon Harper said that the discus sion brought forward would result in real good. [Hear, hear ] He quite agreed with the suggestion made by Archdeacon Wilson with a slight exception, and his only reason for bringing forward the resolution was to provide for cases which might occur where it would not be right to bring a clergyman within the scope of any ecclesiastical definition. He would withdraw his resolution by 1 live of the Synod at the proper time. After farther remarks from memoers, both amendment and resolution were withdrawn.

Wednesday, November 1. The President took the chair at 5 p.m. The minutes of the last sitting were read and confirmed. THEOLOGICAL STUDENTS. Mr Walker moved — 11 That the Standing Committee be requested to take into con sideration during the recess the endowments at present available for Theological Students in this diocese ; to confer with the Governing Body of Christ’s College ; and to report to Synod at its next session as to the desirability of supplementing those endowments out of Diocesan Funds, or otherwise dealing with them as they may recommend.” The mover dwelt on the advisableness of attracting young men of promising attainments to enlist in the desire to enter holy orders, and referred with satisfaction to the new building lately erected, which he had heard was to be devoted to the study of Theology. Mr Stedman seconded the motion. Archdeacon Harper, in addressing himself to the motion, dwelt upon the difficulty of being able to draw sufficient students from Christ’s College for the requirements, who would desire to enter upon a study for holy orders. There was one other difficulty existing, and that was of young men being able to remain at the College until attaining nineteen years of age. Archdeacon Willock, during his remarks, spoke of the professor to be introduced, who was not only to be a Professor of Theology, but also to possess other qualifications, as the College was utterly devoid at present of teaching power in classics and mathematics. The Dean had to differ with the last speaker in some of his remarks, as the person sent for to England to occupy the new building would hold the position of chaplain of the College. His duties as theological lecturer would be combined among others, with teaching Divinity in Christ’s College. By these arrangements the advanced students would have the advantage of a home with proper discipline, under the care of a clergyman. Canon Cotterill said that important changes in the direction sought, had lately taken place in Christ’s College, as, through the advantages of scholarships existing, there were at present some twenty or thirty boys who were eighteen or nineteen years old.

After further remarks from members, the motion was put and agreed to, AMENDMENT OF STANDING ORDER NO 24.

Mr J. Mclntyre moved—“ That Stand ing Order No 24 be amended by striking out the words ‘being the same in number as that,’ in the last line, and substituting the words, ‘not to exceed the number,’ in lieu thereof.” Rev Mr Glasson seconded the motion, which, after discussion, was lost on the voices. LYTTELTON PARSONAGE. Mr H. N. Nalder moved—“ That the Standing Committee be instructed to carry out the prayer of the petition from the Incumbent and Vestry of the parish of the Holy Trinity, Lyttelton, to the effect, that the parsonage and site be sold, and that the proceeds thereof be invested in the purchase of another site, if found necessary, and the erection of a parsonage building.” Archdeacon Dudley seconded the motion. Dr Donald moved, as an amendment, “ That the matter of the Lyttelton Parsonage be referred to the Standing Committee, to take such action as they .may deem expedient ; taking such advice, professional «r otherwise, as they may consider necessary.”

Archdeacon Willock seconded the amend ment.

The amendment was being spoken to when the hour for adjournment arrived. On the Synod resuming, the debate on Dr Donald’s amendment was continued. After some discussion, the amendment was put and lost. Mr Malet moved, as a further amendment, “ That all the words after the word ‘ that’ in the resolution be omitted, for the purpose of inserting the following words—‘ the Synod declares that the Parsonage of the Holy Trinity in Lyttelton and the site thereof may be sold by the Church Property Trustees, together or in parcels, or by public auction or private contract, with the consent of the Standing Committee, testified in writing under the hand of the president or chairman thereof for the time being, provided that the proceeds thereof be laid out in the purchase of another site and the erection of a paronage building theron, or for either of the said purposes if necessary, as soon as may be, and in the meantime that the money arising from the sale be invested in the names of the Church Property Trustees, on such security as they deem sufficient, at interest; provided also that no purchaser shall be concerned to see to the application of the purchase money, or be accountable for the misapplication of the same.” Rev Mr Lloyd seconded the amendment, which was agreed to. On the motion of Mr Mellish, the orders of the day were postponed, to allow of notices of motion IV., XIX., XXIV., and XVII., being considered, EXPUNGING OF STANDING ORDER. Mr G. L, Lee moved—“ That Standing Order No. 87 be expunged, and the following placed in lieu thereof: ‘ No question shall be asked of the President or of any member of the Synod without notice given at some previous day’s sitting, and in putting such question, no argument or opinion is to be offered, nor any facts stated, except so far as may be necessary to explain such question, and no debate is to be allowed. ’ ” Rev H. Glasson seconded the motion; After discussion, Mr Lee obtained leave to withdraw the motion. APPOINTMENT OF SELECT COMMITTEE. Mr Mellish moved—l. “ That a Select Committee be appointed to consider and report on the best scheme for carrying out the resolution approved of by the Synod, as follows—’That this Synod, recognising the desirability of establishing a permanent borrowing fund for the future maintenance and building of churches, parsonages, and Sunday schools throughout the diocese, steps be taken during this session to devise the best means of carrying out the above object.’ 2. “ Such committee to consist of Ven Archdeacon of Akaroa, Messrs Hassal, Webb, Packer, Lee, Malet, and the mover,” Rev Mr Flavell seconded the resolution, which was agreed to. CONSIDERATION OP STATUTES. Archdeacon Wilson moved clause 1 of the following resolution—l. “ That a Select Committee be appointed to consider Statutes Nos 9 and 10 (General Synod), and to draw up draft Amendmentsfor proposal iin the General Synod.” 2, “ The Committee to make an ad interim report to Synod before the end of the session, and to continue sitting during the recess f and so soon as they shall have

completed their Amended Draft, to forward it to the Standing Committee previous to the meeting of the General Synod.” 3. “ The Committee to consist of the Very Rev the Dean, the Archdeacon of Timaru, Hon J. B A. Acland, Messrs H. J. Tancred, Hanmer, Rev G. J. Cholmondeley, and the mover.” Rev E. R. Otway seconded the first resolution, which was agreed to. Clause No 2 was withdrawn. Clause No 3 was seconded and agreed to. DIOCESAN CLERICAL PENSION FUND. On the motion of Archdeacon Willock, the Synod went into committee to consider the following resolutions : —“ That the recommendations contained in the Interim Report of the Select Committee appointed to consider the Report of the Standing Committee upon the Diocesan Clerical Pension Fund be adopted, and that leave be given to bring in Draft Regulations under which they may be carried into effect” :—l, “ That the present Diocesan Clerical Pension Fund be closed upon December 31st, 1876.” 2. “ That the accumulated capital of the Fund be divided among all the present claimants upon an equitable basis hereafter to be agreed upon by the claimants.” 3. “ That there be a Pension Board appointed by the Synod, consisting of five persons, whose duty shall be to wind up the present Fund and to act as Managers and Trustees of any fund which may be substituted for it, in accordance with regulations to be laid down from time to time by the Synod," 4. “ That it is desirable that the adhesion of all claimants upon the Fund shall be secured to such mode of liquidation of claims as may subsequently be decided upon by the Pension Board.’’ 5. “ That in the event of the Pension Board not succeeding in winding up the present Fund prior to the 31st December, 1876, the seale of annuities and other allowances for the five years following shall be reduced by ninety per cent below the present scale. Such reduction to take place from the end of the present year.”

In committee the resolution and clauses 1 and 2 were agreed to. In clause 3 the word “ Pension” in the first line was omitted, and also all the words after the word “ Fund.”

Clause 4 was negatived after discussion. Clause 5 was withdrawn, by leave of the committee.

The Synod resumed and the chairman reported progress, after which the resolutions agreed to were adopted. Resolutions 5 and 6 were postponed, by leave of the Synod, to be made the first and second on the order paper for next sitting. Resolutions 7,8, and 9 lapsed, in the absence of the Rev W. H. Cooper. Resolutions 10, 11, 12, 13 were postponed. PAROCHIAL DISTRICTS, The Dean moved, “ That leave be given to bring in Draft Regulations for the formation of Parochial District, and for the appointment of the Church officers thereof; and that the Bill be read a first time.” Rev J. W. Stack seconded the motion, which was agreed to. Notices of motion having been given, the Synod adjourned.