PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

Press, Volume LXIII, Issue 19162, 19 November 1927, Page 20

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

YESTERDAY'S BUSINESS.

Various matters of public interest wore discussed at yesterday's session of the Presbyterian Assembly, the Moderator, the Rev. James Aitken, presiding. „ The report of the Temperance Committee was adopted, and it was decided to approve of the idea of setting free about fifteen of the ministers for a period of six weeks before the next election to assist in the Prohibition campaign; to authorise the committee to send out, at a suitable date, an appeal to all members and adherents to vote and work for the carrying of Prohibition at the next referendum, and to reaffirm opposition to the granting of licenses within the King Country. The Rev J. A. Asher, on behalf of the Academic Committee, reported that Professor Hewitson had acceded to the council's request to continue in the position of principal of the Knox Training College for another twelve months. Faith and Order Conference. The Rev. Gray Dixon presented a report on the Faith and Order Conference at Lausanne. It stated that there were 431 delegates assembled from all parts of Christendom, the two delegates from the New Zealand Presbyterian Church, the R«v. W. Gray Dixon and the Rev. James Milne, M.A., having the distinction of representing the remotest and most recent region in the Christian world. Every notable communion of the Universal Church was represented with the exception of the Church of Rome, which, however, watched the proceedings with interest. The Greek and Oriental Churches were well in evidence, imparting an air of antiquity and picturesqueness to the unique assembly, which proved to be the most notable gathering of the Church Catholic in modern respects in any time. The unanimity was wonderful, even beyond the expectations of those who were most hopeful. The intercourse was frank and friendly, and the common worship in the finest of Swiss cathedrals, one of the sanctuaries belonging to the Reformed or Presbyterian Church, and in the beautiful aula of the university, where the full deliberative meetings were held, was thrilling, impressive, and significant. Tho local Press was unusually stirred by tho gramieur of the moment when Greeks, Orientals, Lutherans, Calvinists, Anglicans, Congregationalists, Baptists, Methodists, and Christian converts from India, China, Japan, and other parts of the Foreign Missionary field stood together in the great cathedral and repeated each, as at Pentecost, in his own tongue, the Apostles' Creed. The following subjects wore discussed: I. The Call to Unity. 11. The Churches' Message to the World—the Gospel. 111. The Nature of the Church. IV. The Church's Common Confession of Faith. V. The Ministry of the Church. VI. The Sacraments. VII. The Unity of Christendom and the Eelation Thereto of Existing Churches.

The Conference was ended, but the Faith and Order movement went on under the guidance of the Continuation Committee, impelled by profound thanksgiving and quickened hope. It had been found that even in their differences a new expression of unity had been found.

The Rev. Gray Dixon returned thanks for the honour done him in electing him as a delegate to the Conference. He said ho had been impressed with the distinguished gathering of Church leaders, which was assembled there. It was a great privilege to worship with such men, and sing hymns with them. All were certain that a. call had come from God to close the ranks of the Churches and manifest thoir unity. One felt that there was really something accomplished at the Conference. Tho report was adopted. Home Missions. The Eev. D. D. Scott presented the report of the Homo Mission Committee. It stated that tho outstanding feature of the year had been the missionary campaign. The Committee gladly agreed with the Foreign Mission Committee's proposal .to co-operate in this enterprise and arranged for some of its staff to assist. Apart from this campaign the year had been an ordinary one. The work had been maintained with very little break. 'Here and there a home mission station had been left vacant, but generally speaking the supply of missionaries for sanctioned charges was to somo extent relieved. The situation, however, was yet very far from satisfactory. Where population was growing intensive work was necessary, but in districts that were' at a standstill, or declining, it might be possible to cover a wider field to advantage. The number of Presbyterians in New Zealand was growing steadily and tho number out of touch with the Church was not decreasing; It was urgent that'the Church continually press the call for reinforcements so that she might overtake her task and do her duty in the Dominion.

It was- recommended that the Assembly should 1. acknowledge with grateful appreciation the diligent labours of the men and women on the Homo Mission staff; the splendid and varied help given by P.W.M.U.'s, G.A.'s, B.C.'s, and Busy Bees; the gifts and bequests made by generous donors; the exceedingly valuable help given by the Eevs. Professor J. Dickie, D.D., and J. Collie, M.A., as lecturers in the Summer School held this year in Timaru, Palmerston North, and Auckland; the ready service offered through the "Outlook" by its editor; and the constant and prompt attention of the genoral treasurer and his Btaff to Home Mission business. 2. Anew urge the Church to remember the need there is for ministers, and to pray for labourers. • 3. Instruct the committee to make enquiries in regard to colporteur work, and to confer with some of the sister Churches, to ascertain whether united action is possible or not, and to report to next Assembly. The report was adopted. Addresses were given by the Rev. P. Naylor (Kaitaia, North Auckland), Mr J. Cumming (South Auckland), and the Bev. George Budd (Home Mission Superintendent).

Bible Society. The Eev. David Calder moved: "That the Assembly rejoices in the continued advance of the work of the British and Foreign Bible Society, and the National Bible Society of Scotland in their activities, both within the Dominion and Bverseas, and again commends their interests of ministers and congregations that by prayer and generous giving their essential service mav prosper accordingly. That the Assembly appoints the first Sunday in May as Bible Society day." This was seconded by Mr T. Bain and carried. Macarthy Trust. Overtures from the Auckland and Mataura Presbyterieß concerning the Macarthy Trust were considered at a private session held in the aftemoon. The discussion was adjourned before a decision.was reached. The overtures were as follows:—From the Mataura Presbytery: Whereas there is a growing

realisation of the nature and operations of the Macarthy Trust, in that it includes hotels, a brewery, and other licensed premises, and that a portion of its income is derived from them. Whereas many members of the Church throughout the country are of opinion that this Church should not accept any grants from such a trust: The General Assembly take into consideration the advisability of instructing the committees concerned with these grants to abstain from applying for any more, or that it determine as its wisdom shall deem best." _ From the Auckland Presbytery:— "Whereas certain committees connected with our Church have applied for and received grants from the Macarthy Trust, and that as the said Trust is at present deriving profits from the liquor traffic, and whereas our Church has already committed itself to the policy of the total abolition of this 'traffic, the Presbytery respectfully overtures the General Assembly to instruct its committees not to apply for any more grants from the said Trust, or that it determine otherwise as its wisdom shall deem best." Next Assembly. It was decided to accept the invitation of the Auckland Presbytery to hold the next Genoral Assembly in that City in St. David's Church. Sunday Services. Visiting ministers will occupy the pulpits of City and suburban churches tomorrow.