RITUALISM.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXI, Issue 495, 16 October 1909, Page 3

RITUALISM.

ITS GROWTH DISCUSSED,

Auckland, October 14

At a meeting of the Anglican Synod last evening a long debate, took place on the following resolution passed by Mr R. R. Hunt “ That the Synod is thankful to Almighty God for the increasing number of clergy in the diocese, but deplores the fact that with the increase has come an increase of high ritual in our churches. The Synod respectfully urges upon the Bishop and all clergy that the real progress of the diocese and the cultivation of true godliness can only be secured by a close adherence to the principles of the Reformed Church of England, and an avoidance on the part of the clergy in their ministrations and teaching of a sacerdotalism repugnant to those principles, even as it is to the heart and consciences of the great hulk of earnest Churchmen among the laity.” Mr J. H. Upton suggested that the resolution might be withdrawn, as it had served its use in promoting the debate 011 the subject He had no objection to standing in his place in church when the clergy came in. Still he had a distinct objection to standing up for quite a long lime watching a procession of small boys in surplices, who probably the day before had been robbing his orchard. (Daughter).

The Rev. Cecil Watson, vicar of St. Paul’s, said the movement they had been speaking about had come, and would continue to come, notwithstanding Synod resolutions and such like.

The Bishop (Dr. Neligan) remarked that it had been said during the debate the previous day that a clergyman had taken a young girl out of a confirmation class, taken her into his study, and bade her kneel down and confess her sins. If that had taken place, he could only say that the man was a fool. There could be no doubt of it. He hoped, however, that il it was the case, that it could be proved not to have taken place in the diocese. He had never asked a man coming into the diocese during the past _ three or four years what his practice in connection with ritualism was. “ I do not believe,” concluded his lordship, “ that any man has any right either to add to or detract or substract from the ritual or mode of conducting his services without the consent of the majority of hfs communicants.” Permission was then asked to withdraw the motion, and granted.