CLERGYMAN’S TEST

Taranaki Central Press, Volume IV, Issue 291, 21 November 1936, Page 4

CLERGYMAN’S TEST

Story Arouses Indignation Of Synod. Press Assnefatinn—Rapyrirht. Christchurch, Last Night. Great indignation was caused at this morning’s session of the North Canterbury' District Methodist Synod when a lay member stated in open synod that a Methodist minister hau not only told a Bible class that hei did not. believe in prohibition, but also that he had got drunk. 1 to what it was like. This statement was made when the liquor traffic was under discussion. A lay member, Mr. H. C. Chapman, former District Traffic Manager of i Railways in Christchurch, said he | would like to know the position of) I the Church with regard to the opin- ! ions of ministers on the temperance ■ question. He then cited the case of one minister who had told a Bible I class that he did not believe in prohibition but regarded liquor as a ■temptation which had to be withstood. He had even admitted, added Mr. Chapman, that he had got drunk himself to see what it was l like. The chairman (the Re.v. Clarence Eaton): A Methodist minister? Mr. Chapman: Yes, A Methodist minister. '• Members asked why this statement had not been made in committee. It was suggested that the publication of Mr. Chapman’s remarks would, have a bad effect and would give a wrong impression. Synod then went into committee to discuss the matter. In a subseuent discussion one member pointed out that there was no proof that the minister was ordained, at the time when he was drunk. It might have been eight or 10 years before he joined the ministry. Synod decided to endorse a resolution put forward by the Rev. W. A. Burley, that the only solution of the liquor traffic way its abolition. AJi members were agreed on the need for its abolition and for better education aimed at this end.