ANGLICAN SYNODS.

Waikato Argus, Volume V, Issue 356, 20 October 1898, Page 2

ANGLICAN SYNODS.

(r.Y TELEOKAFII—I'RKSS ASSOCIATION). Chkistchurch, Last Night. At the opening of the Anglican Synod, Bishop Julius referred to the necessity for training the assistant clergy in town parishes. He condemned the regulation making the curates a tax upon the clergy. He also spoke of the lack of meu ready to offer themselves for the Ministry, and referred at length to the efforts for the completion of the Cathedral. Dealing with the question of the re-marriage of divorced persons, he laid it down that by the law of the church, such was illegal. He wished it to be understood that no priest in the diocese was at liberty to celebrate the marriage of a divorced person, whether innocent or not. If necessary, such persons could marry civilly. The question of the admission to the Holy Communion of innocent persons so married must always be referred to the Bishop. Che ritual controversy at Home was a mere question of forms and ceremonies. For years past the spirit of lawlessness had prevailed in the church at Home, but it was'rather a good thing, only sweeping away artificialities. There was no extreme ritualism anywhere in New Zealand. The churches were comely and the services reverent and decent. The tendency on the part of some to assimilate with the Church of Rome was not the tendency of the whole church at Home, and the most hopeful sign was the willingness evinced by the leaders to submit themselves to authority.

AUCKLAND. The Auckland Diocesan Synod was opened on Tuesday. The Primate in his address favoured the admission of women to vestries and the granting of the right to vote at parish elections. He also called atteution to the following report of the General Synod : (1) That Government schools should be opened every day with the Lord's Prayer ; (2) that lessons shall be given by the school teachers on one of the first three Gospels, taken consecutively for two half-hours during school hours in each Week ; (3) there shall be a conscience clause, botli for teachers and scholars ; (4) that in any school in which the teacher or teachers are unwilling to give such instruction, or where it is desired by the parents of the children being educated therein that such instruction shall be given by the minister or an accredited member of any recognised religious denomination, it shall be lawful for such minister or person to give such religious instruction, subject only to such regulations as may be laid down by the scliool committee.