THE RITUAL QUESTION.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 66, 8 September 1911, Page 3

THE RITUAL QUESTION.

ADDKESS BY MSIIOI' JL'LIUS. C'hristehurch, Tuesday. liis hop Julius, in his opening address to the Anglican Synod 1 his afternoon, ilwi.lt at leiifit.li with the subject of ritual. He discussed the use of vestments, and summed up by .saying: -]i appears that wstments are ordered to be used under the law of the Prayer linok, bv which alone we are governed and controlled in Mich mutters, that thi? view of the law obtained very widely when our ('(institution was formed, and that the only Courts to which we. churchmen can appeal in the matter are our own Courts, duly constituted. It is not often that inconsistency strengthens anv man's pohiiion. and yet it may be that my explanation of the law on this subject trains additional weight from the fact that J have not, obevrd it. Perhaps it is right that r should tell you why. After nearly forty years' .service in the ministry of the Church il is dillicnlt to Wtange the use (o which I have been accustomed. It is perhaps this feeling which gives nie perhaps sympathy with those laitv of the Church who are in the like position. As a, parish prie.st I should certainly refuse to make any attempt to force the rules of the ornament rubric upon an unprepared and reluctant congregation. Any such action would, in my judgment, be contrary to the law of Christ, Ido not wish to maintain that 110 change sJiould ever be made in a parish till everyone approves of it. After ail, -although in some respects I dislike the system of patronage, it certainly avoids the danger of violent change, inasmuch as the nomination of a priest is. to a. great, extent, in the hands of the ]Kiri.shioners. Once more, to define my own position as liishop of the diocese. I consent to the wearing of vestments in a church accustomed to their use. lint. 1 shall certainly refuse under other conditions.''

The lii-ilmp (lii'ii hrietly discussed the use of wafer bread, I he practice of the elevation iiinl ailnrulinn of the elements. ami. in conclusion. j-uid : -J have a few words to sav in conclusion on 11ig whole subject . We have seen tlia 1. the Courts appoint,p<l for the settlement of such differences arc our own Ohurcdi courts. Xow. I ask vmi to hear in mind thai, uniicr our canons. the lijshop who is denied any voice in tin- appointment of pastors ha.s absolute authority in the matter of discipline. It a cliiiryo is brought any of his elcigv or ollice-hcarcrs, the Bishop. if lu: 111 illfc the charge to he frivolous and vexations, or that the facts alleged are not. sullicient .to warrant, further proceedings, may dii-niiss the charge. lam not asking for more than the Church has given nic wlieu I beg yon to leave these matters in my hands. '! lie l'raycr ISuol; yon to refer such i|ucsti.>ns to the ordinary. I have never known nnv good whatever come of 'ritual trials/'and [ know that fhey give abundant cause for thi> enemy to blaspheme. I believe that my clergy will loyally accept, and obey the ruling of their lii-hop. and I do not think that the laity have any reason to doubt Hiv sincerity, or ouc-iioii mv love of justice, 1. have never tailed, so far as ] know of, to show sympathy with men who differ from me. and, Cod helping me. neither Kvangelica! nor High Churchmen, faithfully lining Cod's work, shall ever sull'crat my h inds."