RELIGIOUS QUARREL

Taranaki Daily News, 19 May 1922, Page 4

RELIGIOUS QUARREL

ROWDY SYDNEY MEETING. THEOSOPHISTS DISAGREE. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright Received May 18, 7.35 p.m. Sydney, May 18. The arrival of Mrs. Annie Besant (head_ of the Theosophical movement) brought to a head the trouble which for a considerable time has been brewing amongst Sydney Theosophists and the Liberal Catholic Church, whose membership is chieflly recruited from amongst Theosophists. Serious charges have been made regarding certain members of the Liberal Catholic Church, and the status of its selfstyled “bishops”. It is also a bone of contention that in the same quarters their title is regarded as bogus. Mrs. Besant attended a meeting at which the trouble was aired. After delivering aa address on the Theosophical doctrine shQ said she deprecated the circulation by members of the Theosophical Society of statements regarding other members and the Liberal Catholic Church. She added that in consequence of the treatment she had rceived at the hands of the executive she would refuse to speak on the platform-, again until the executive was reconstituted. “Till then,” she added, “farewell.” After Mrs. Besant’s departure the meeting was noisy, her action being vigorously condemned by some speakers. Finally a motion was carried, amid much dimeM, justifying the position of Bishop Leadbeater, of the Theosophical Society, and '• as head of the Liberal Catholic Church. The meeting ended in great disorder.— Aus.N.Z. Cable Assn.