CHURCH UNION OUTLINED

Chronicle (Levin), 8 March 1947, Page 4

CHURCH UNION OUTLINED

Amalgamation Would Solve Many Problems Each of the three churGhcs had something in eommon. They believed the same things, and, therefore, there was no reason why they should not all unite and walk • along the same road together. This was the viewpoint of the Rev. J. M. Bates, M.A., convener of the committee, on church union, of the Presbyterian General Assembly, jwhen advocating a union be.tween ! the Presbyterian, Methodist and Congregational churches, at ° combi-ned meeting in St. John's Methodist Church on Thursday night. Tne meeting was the first step in a campaign to educate office bearers and members of the churches concerned in what was involved in the proposed union, so that when the time came for them to vote they would do so with some knowledge, explained Mr. Bates. Tn conjunction with the Rev. W. A. Burley, M.A., convener of the Methodist Conference Committee on church union, he explained to

the congregation the details of the proposed amalgamation and later a.nswered numerous questions on the subject. It had never been relevant to the situation in New Zealand that the churches be separate, Mr. Bates aid. The idea had originated historically in other places. He saw the present scheme a,s a mere step, and that some day there would not mly be a union of three or four chuiches, but a united church of New Zealand. Training of Ministers ■ In order to train students for the ministry, the United Church would establish a theological college in ' which students woulclbe required to undergo 'three years of training. Prior to this they would require to serve three years at a univgrsity, attaining either a B.A. or M.A. degree. The reason why only one theo'ogical college would be used for the present, was that.it was desired that students be trained under one roof and by the same teachers, said Mr. Bates. Bv this means, their training would be founded on lasting friendships. A student would ohen serve two years as an assistant under the guidance of an older minister, this being regarded as a te-m of apprenticeship. The General Assembly would, however, retain its power to appoint a particular man to the ministry if it desired. Mission Fields The mission fields of the individual churches would not- be adversely affected, but would continue as before. A church's specitfic funds would not be interfered with follcwing a union, nor would there be any interference with the' local affairs, each church being permitted to carry on its normal practices. It would, however, be neces--ary for them to adhere to specific ■ instructions the council fnight 5tipulate. % Methodist Viewpoint The Methodist Church would velcome a union and saw -no difficulty in its principle. There was, however, certain basic difiiculties, said the Rev. W. A. Burley. The Methodist Church, for instance, bslieved that a minister should be appointed for one year only, and if found satisfactory be re-appointed for a further vear. The officers of the church had power to terminate a minister 's appointment if _ such action v/as thought desirable in the interests of ,the*narish. It was diffieult for the Methodists to forego that right. The Methodist Church was also a strong advocate of having young men in authoritative positions in the church courts, Mr. Burley continued. It considered the youth of the church was afraid of the word "elder," as it suggested someone wise and elderly. He had, however, been assured that the. future church would be ruled by spiritual young men and women. He had high hopes for the eldership of the United Church. The Methodist Church did not like the possibility of losing its own theological college, but it was obviously impera'ive that one of the colleges would have to go. It had been -said that should a ■ union- take place the churches would eventuallv be absorbed, corianued Mr. Burley. "I hope we will \e — all of us — eventually moulded nto one united church of New Zea'land." The three churches were so much alike that they were often it cross purposes. A union would be the obvious solution. Nothing hould keen them apart. One of the advantages nf a nnicn would be that a co-operative and not. a competitive approach could he made improviding church facilities, particularly in the new housing areas and new districts such as Nae Nae. * There were cases where there were as many as six churches serving such areas. A more sensible and Christianlike approach could reduce this number. There was nothing he could see in the basis of the union to prevent the three churches doing their duties, therefore he was a strong" advocate of the scheme. "It can be a success if we want it to be," said Mr. Bates, when again addressing the meeting. "The need for amalgamation may not be so apparent in Levin, but before casting your votes you should think of thc-se other new settlements such as Nae Nae, where the need will be greater. The problem in these places is tremendous." At the conclusion of the meeting Rev. H. S. Kings of St. John's ' lothodist Church thanked the speakers for coming to Levin and utlining the proposed union. Also present was the Rev. A. Salmond, of St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, Levin.