A CLERICAL SCANDAL.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 3018, 29 November 1882, Page 2

A CLERICAL SCANDAL.

At a meeting of the Presbytery of Christchurch yesterday the following resolutions were passed in reference to the charges against the minister of St. Andrew’s Church which have been occupying the attention of that body for some time past — “That having heard the report of the Committee appointed to enquire into certain charges affecting the character and ministerial standing of the Rev. Charles Fraser, and having hoard also and carefully considered the depositions of witnesses for and against, and also the explanations and rehutting evidence adduced by the Rev. C. Fraser laid upon the table, the Presbytery resolve to proceed by way of libel in strict accordance with the law of the church. That a Committee be appointed this day to prepare the libel. That Mr Fraser be suspended from the office of the Holy Ministry forthwith; and that the Moderator of the Presbytery (the Rev. A. Blake) be now appointed Moderator of St. Andrews Kirk session, and to preach in St. Andrews’ Church next Lord’s Day.” “That the Presbytery express the strongest disapprobation of Mr Fraser’s conduct in excluding them this morning from the usual place of meeting, and in his unworthy attempt to escape from the discipline and withdraw from the jurisdiction of the Church, in direct contravention of his ordination vows.” A Committee was also appointed to enquire into and report upon the position of the Cemetery Trust. The second of the above resolutions was occasioned by the fact that the meeting, which was appointed to be held in St. Andrew’s Church, found the doors locked. The meeting was held in the Church grounds, and formally adjourned to St. Paul’s Church. Mr Fraser has threatened to commence a libel action against some papers in connection with this case.