ANGLICAN GENERAL SYNOD

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVII, Issue 8338, 25 January 1913, Page 8

ANGLICAN GENERAL SYNOD

MORMONS, MAORIS, AND MISSIONS. Press Association. NEiiSON, January 24. At the Anglican General Synod’s morning sitting the committee reporting on cue legal status of church officers stated tnat tho -xiosition was unsatisfactory. Officers wore personally liable under a contract, but wore unable to hold property on behalf of parishioners. The committee submitted the following recommendation : That the Minister of Internal Affairs bo approached with a view of securing the insertion in the Religious Educational, Charitable, and Trust Bodies Act, 1908, an enabling clause under which vestries or managing committees of any religious body may bo incorporated for the purpose of entering into contracts and holding church property Archdeacon Grace, on behalf _oi the committee inquiring into the doings of Mormons, reported that in view of the grave spread of -Morn;on tenets and practices into tho moral and social life of the community—both pakeha and Maori —the committee is of opinion that it behoves the church to take measures to combat and expose the same. It was recommended that a commission bo set up to take such steps as may bo deemed necessary. Tho Bishop of Christchurch moved: That tho Synod urges members of the church, while continuing their efforts in support of the Melanesian and Maori missions, to endeavour by prayer and study to extend the knowledge and sympathy of the people with the missionary work of the church throughout the world. Bishop Crossky (Auckland) urged that tho first duty of New Zealand was to the Maori. He moved an amendment that the words “ Melanesia and Maori ” bo transposed. Bishop Williams said the Church Missionary Association was entitled to hearty thanks. Dean Fitchett moved that a commission be appointed to ascertain on what terms the diocesan pension funds could be brought together to establish a clergy pension fund. This was deferred for report. Canon Mac Hurray said it was a great mistake to think tho Maori mission work was completed. The Bishop of Waiapu said the church had not yet done its duty to the Maori. The Bishop of Nelson spoke of the great responsibilities of the church in missions. Its first duty was to the Maori. He seconded the amendment, which was carried. The Primate, speaking to the amended motion, said fie looked to see great interest stirred up in the Maori missions. The Rev. Mr Beatty asked whether the church was justified in spending large sums on things not primarily necessary for the advancement of the Kingdom. Tfie motion was carried, and the Synod adjourned.