OUTSPOKEN CHURCHMEN

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 536, 13 December 1928, Page 1

OUTSPOKEN CHURCHMEN

Waikato Anglicans Talk About “Turning Out” Bishop Cherrington CHAPTER'S FINANCIAL DIFFICULTIES (From Our Owui Correspondent)

HAMILTON'. To-day. AH\ EL\ meeting oi' Claudelands parishioners was held last evening to consider raising funds for an assistant minister, or alternatively, to form a new parish on the eastern side of the river. About 100 people were present, including many prominent churchmen who agreed that it'was hopeles--to attempt to stabilise finances or to proceed with a scheme while the bulk of the parishioners disliked Bishop Cherrington.

“We know perfectly well why two clergymen on the Cathedral staff recently left,’’ said Mr. H. M. Hammond, a member of the chapter. “We know the position is precarious and it is impossible to make any headway until we have faced certain questions concerning the bishop of the diocese.” Mr. W. H. Blakeway, another member of the chapter, said that until they had the support of every Anglican family in Claudelands it was useless proceeding. “I believe you are right,” said Mr. F. B. Hall. “Everyone wall agree that if we had a different head of the Church the people would not be steadily leaving. I suppose there is no chance of getting rid of the bishop?” A Voice: No chance. Another Voice: Well, you never can tell. Dean Barnett, who presided, said the scheme was not commendable. He hoped they would not lose interest in the church. They should bear in mind what was best for the church as a whole. APPEAL TO PRIMATE SUGGESTED A woman wanted to know if they could make a protest at the bishop’s attitude. Could they not appeal to the Primate ? Mr. Hammond said that if all the parishes in the diocese, who knew the difficulties surrounding St. Peter’s, sent

men to Synod who would grapple 'with the situation, all the trouble would soon be ended. Unless this was done the bishop would survive on a spirit of apathy, and more and more would leave the church. Dean Barnett said that unless he had assistance, prospects for the future were not bright. Mr. Brooke considered that as long as the bishop was at the head of affairs the financial position would remain unchanged. They seemed to have no power to turn the bishop out. “Everyone knows the bishop is Anglo-Catholic, and we are Protestant,” he added. ‘‘Not 5 per cent, of the Hamilton Anglicans will support him.” £3OO IN DEBT Mr. E. V. Stace stated the chapter was now over £3OO in debt, and even when current expenses were met there would be the same old trouble. The following resolution, moved by Mr. S Simonds, was carried by a large majority:— “That under existing conditions Claudelands church cannot at present bear the responsibility of raising funds for the appointment of another clergyman for the parish, although they sympathise with the dean’s difficulties.” Before closing, the dean earnestly appealed for support for the chapt |*. despite the resolution.