BISHOP JULIUS.

Shannon News, 28 October 1921, Page 1

BISHOP JULIUS.

FIFTY YEARS IN ORDERS. QUESTION OF RETIREMENT. ' Christchurch, Oct.. 19. In liis address at the Diocesan Synod, Bishop Julius made the following personal references to himself: “Fifty years ago I was admitted as a deacon. A parish priest may often serve with' advantage to his people for longer years than these,. but for a bishop called to rule and leadership it is another matter. An episcopate extended into the years when the powers of mind and body alike begin to fail is rarely wholesome to the Church. We recognise the truth oi this in almost every department oi modern life, and the s' me opinion is growing in the Church. In the diocese of Melbourne the Archbishop retires compulsorily at an age considerably below that which I have attained. 1 am senior to all the bishops in Australia, and to all but one in Britain, and lie is in Wales. “I must confess that by the mercy of God I am not conscious of my years, but 1 cannot persuade . even myself that I retain the vigour and energy of earlier years, and I fear my diocese must suffer. I cannot bear to be a drag upon the abounding life and enthusiasm of the young. My sympathies always have been with them. If there were a time limit I would cheerfully resign and find some place of humble service, but J cannot judge of this for myself. V may be that your kindness keeps me in ignorance of what I ought to know. Let me then say plainly, and once for all, that if any leading members of the Church are commissioned to tell me that the time for a change has come, I shall accept their judgment with the utmost readiness and sympathy. In the meanwhile, by the grace of God, I will do my best.”