Bishop in the Dock: The Sedition Trial of James Liston in New Zealand

Focusing on a pivotal moment in New Zealand's history, this book recounts Bishop James Liston's controversial St. Patrick's Day speech in 1922, where he passionately supported Irish freedom and criticized British rule. His remarks sparked outrage, leading to his trial for sedition, marking him as the first Catholic Bishop in the British Empire to face such charges. The narrative explores the intersection of politics and religion, revealing the sectarian tensions within New Zealand and highlighting the complexities of national identity and colonial legacy.