THE SYNOD.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 5483, 23 October 1878, Page 2

THE SYNOD.

TO THE EDITOR OP THE NEW ZEALAND TIMES. Sir, —I wish to remove any wrong impressions in reference to the Synod’s proceedings, which your correspondent “D. B.” may have occasioned. Ho admits that he only attended “ some of its sittings,” and yet ho blames the Synod for not haying debated during the evenings when he was present such subjects as “ a theological college,” or “training young men for the ministry.” .But these, with other similar questions, were considered on previous sittings. He says there was “ a discussion on the possibility of reviving a system .of religious education in primary schools, and many of the speakers seemed to think it quite possible to induce the Government to grant special aid to denominational schools.” This is. hardly an accurate account of what occurred, which was a debate as to whether it was now advisable to express any opinion on the present unsatisfactory btate of the law which excludes all reference to the Christian religion in schools supported by the State. For various reasons it was thought most advisable to wait a while, A scheme for the purpose of church extension in the diocese, introduced by Mr, Harvey, after consultation with other members of the Synod, is not adequately described as “th« proposal of two influential city clergymen to canvass the whole diocese,” &c. The subscription of two shillings a week was not spoken of by “ the mover of the resolution as the minimum subscription.” It is to be regretted that a churchman, who evidently has failed to understand a scheme which has not yet assumed a definite form, and is even described by himself as “still in embryo,” should try to induce other churchmen to prejudge and condemn it. No doubt sufficient objections will be raised to it by those who wish to protect their pockets ; but it is hardly worth while to suggest reasons to such persons for doing so.—l am, &c., A Member or the Synod. October 21.