MARRIAGE SACRAMENT.

Otaki Mail, Volume XXVIII, 15 September 1920, Page 3

MARRIAGE SACRAMENT.

BISHOP BKODIB MAKES A DECLARATION. Christchurch, September 13. In making a statement at St. Mary Cathedral yesterday, on the projected amendment to the marriage legislation orf New Zealand. Bishop Brodie said: in ihe event of this proposed legislation coming into effect, there will be only one course open to me. I will no! swerve oue hair’s brendth from the doctrine or discipline of our Holy Church, bur. as soon as possible, should this amendment become law, I will publish and cause to be published in every Catholic church of mj nio cese the teachings of the Church regarding the sacrament of matrimony. And in my administration I will sec that the teaching is strictly adhered to. If a prosecution follows, I will defend myself, even appealing to the highest tribunal of the Empire. If judgment goes against me, I must only, with the help of God, try to bear the punishment of imprisonment, being glad to suffer something for justice’s sake, but grieved to think that our fair Dominion of New Zealand is the only part of a vast Empire or even of the world where such legislation has been introduced. In this anxious crisis, I appeal to my people for their prayers, that their bishop and priests will be faithful to their sacred trust, and that our legislators will approach the consideration, of this momentous question in a spirit of justice and true statesmanship.