SYDNEY. [From the Sydney Morning Herald, April 9.] THE CHURCH QUESTION.

New Zealand Spectator and Cook's Strait Guardian, Volume VIII, Issue 708, 15 May 1852, Page 2

SYDNEY. [From the Sydney Morning Herald, April 9.] THE CHURCH QUESTION.

The following are the principal features of the Constitution of the American Church alluded to by Sir Alfred Stephen, in the observations, addressed by -him to the. meeting of, thecoirgregation of Christ Church on Friday evening :— The Diocesan Convention of the Episcopal Church in America has a standing committee

who . have all the powers of- the bishop (other than the spiritual) during any vacancy in the office. . , .... The Convention regularly meets on a stated day annually ; but special conventions may be called at any time by the bishop. The Convention consists of all officiating ministers in the diocese, and of lay members chosen by the congregations, not exceeding three from each church. The bishop presides. If absent, he may appoint a substitute ;' if no substitute be appointed by the bishop, the senior cleigyman presides. A secretary is annually elected by the Convention, who acts until the next meeting. The clergy and laity deliberate in one body and vote together. The voting is by voices indiscriminately, unless three voices require it to be taken by congregations. In this case the majority of lay members representing any congregation constitutes one vote only. But any five votes may require the voting to be taken by orders. (See " Standing Pommittee," post.) All other committees (unless required by the House to be by Irallot) are appointed by the Bishop. There are separate committees on the admission of new Churches — on accounts — on the episcopate fund — ou unfinished business. The Finance Committees are composed exclusively of laymen. The others consist of clergymen and laymen, but the latter invariably preponderate in number. The Standing Committee of the Convention is annually elected in convention by ballot, and consists of four clerical and four lay members. The votes are given by the clergy and laity separate'y; but each order votes alike, for each order of committee. Parochial reports are transmitted to the Con ♦ vention by every minister in the diocese ; and the Bishop reports on the state of the diocese generally. A majority of each Older is, as a general rule, required to sanction any vote or pioceeding. The Bishop and the standing committee unitedly form a board, called " The Education and Missionary Board," having full powers on all questions relating thereto. The Bishop of course, appoints all missionaries. He appoints also to all vacant pa- * rishes. In everychurch a collection is made monthly for the service of the diocese. The appropriation of the money seems to rest with the Education and Missionary Board. Any person may contribute to specific objects, If not, the contribution will go to diocesan objects generally. Clergymen are tried for offences, on the presentment of any three Ministers, or of the j major part of the vestry, or the majority of five Ministers appointed by the Bishop as a Court of Inquiry. The trial is by five Ministers selected by the accused out of a list of twelve, sent him by the Bishop. The decision is by the majority, and they suggest also the sentence. The Bishop may mitigate, but not increase, that sentence. If he sees 'fit, he may grant a new trial. Congregations neglecting to send in their monthly contributions, or not having or retaining a regular minister (parochial or missionary) forfeit all . connection with the convention.