THE GENERAL SYNOD.

Globe, 31 January 1877, Page 2

THE GENERAL SYNOD.

[By Telegraph. (Per Press Agency.') Nelson, January 31. The General Synod waa the whole of yesterday occupied on the debate on the Communicants' Bill and Cavleton's Mr resolutions. After a long discussion, the second reading of the former was carried. It provides that any person making and signing a declaration will be deemed to be so for the purpose of being qualified for election to any Church office. The Bill was committed, reported with amendments, and the third reading tixed for Friday, when the Bishop of Nelson will move that it be recommitted for further amendment. A loug debate took place on Mr Carletou's first resolution, "That the Church of England in New Zealand and the Church of England are not two Churches but one Church." The Dean of Christchurch moved an amendment to omit all the words after " That," and insert the following, " as there is no such body as the Church of England in New Zealand, it is impossible to affirm or deny the resolution." After a very lengthy debate, the question that the words proposed to be omitted stand part of the resolution, were put and negatived. Ayes—Clergy, 6; laity, 10. Noes—Bishops, 5 ; clergy, 11, laity, 4. Archdeacon Maunsell moved another amendment—" That Churches of England and New Zealand are two churches independent and distinct in Government, but one in constitution and common formularies." The Bishop of kelson proposed an adjournment of the debate, which was lost on a division. Archdeacon Maunsell's amendment was negatived on the voices. The Synod then adjourned.