THE REUNION OF CHRISTENDOM.

Press, Volume LV, Issue 16423, 17 January 1919, Page 7

THE REUNION OF CHRISTENDOM.

to THE EDtrOft OF "tHI rBESS." Sir, —In many parts of the world, the week beginning on January 18th win tie devoted to prayer by all sorts of Christians on behalf of the reunion of Christendom, but wo in Christchurch seem to be taking little notice of it. The movement, which goes by the name of the World Conference, for tho consideration of questions touching Faith and Order, is unlike anything which has been tried befpre, both in its method and its scope. It suggests no united services and no exchange of pulpits. It issues prayer for unity, and arranges local and general conferences. Its prestige is very great indeed. Perhaps the proposal for a League of Nations came from America. lam not sure. This movement, at all events, ■was inaugurated by the General Convention of the Anglican Communion in America. In 1910 a commission was formed, which immediately sought the sympathy of all religious bodies. Archbishop Platon, of the Holy "Orthodox Church of Russia in New York, at once gave his hearty approval, and support. Cardinal Gibbons and Cardinal Farley wished to be kept informed of the progress of the movement, and declared that only good could come of the effort to promote the spirit in which such a conference should be undertaken. By August 13th. 1913. thirty commissions of Si sorts of religious bodies had been formed in various parts of the world. The reoort of the movement for 1916 says:—"His Holiness Pope Benedict XV., through Cardinal Gasparri, has expressed his deep interest in the movement, and has promised his prayers for its guidance." The Archbishop of Canterbury at Lambeth, meeting delegates frotji America, expressed the opinion that it would be helpful to the satisfactory working of the whole olan that its American origin should be borne in mind, as also the possibility, or, probability, that the ultimate conference. when held, would be on American soil. Here wo have Anglican, Roman, Orthodox, Presbyterian, Methodist, Baptist. Congregational Christians, all interested in the ,satne movement, all praying for tho same guidance. Among the many great and wonderful events of our generation, I think this o'ight not to escape our notice. Indeed, it is to bo hoped that we all, in our resoective places of worship, will join in this strenm of intercession during the coming week, not forgetting the cause of unity in our private prayers. —Yours, etC '' CHARLES PERRYSt. Michael's, January 16th, 1919-