World-wide Gathering Of Christian Churches

Chronicle (Levin), 13 August 1948, Page 5

World-wide Gathering Of Christian Churches

Press Association )

(Per

WELLINGTON. August 12.

A call to pra.vev has been issued to all cliurches participating in tlie World Rouncil of Cliurches, in connection with tlie forthcoming meeting of tlie rouncil in Amsterdam. The call is signed liy tlie archbishops of Canterburv, Tliya teira and 'Upsala, tlie President of tluProtestant Federation of France and Dr. J. R. Mott, all of wliom are presidents of the provisional committ.ee of the Gouncil. 1 ' About 450 representatives from 150 cliurches in 45 nations will comprise tlntirst meeting of the World rouncil," said the chainnan of the Nationul rouncil of Churches of New Zcalaud tlie Rev, W. A. Burley,* when annouucing the call to prayer. "It is claimed that this will be the most representati vc world conference ever held. A!Christian cliurches, with one exception, are const.it.uent members of the rouncil and on this oecasion the Roman Catholie Church will be represented b\ 10 official observers. The rouncil will open on Runday, August 22, with n great act of public worship. Foreiuosl leaders of the Church will take part. Though this is the first meeting of tlie rouncil because of the world .wai', tl-«% ( ouncil has done much through. its pro yisional committees_ in the reco.nstruetion of Enrope 'and to help refugee.i and displaced persons. Representativefrom the Dorninion attending the meeting will inelude Archlnshop WestWatson, Bishop F. A. Bennett, the Rev. J. Baird aud the Rev. R. Dudlev. Hon. Ernest Brown will go from England to represeut the Baptist Union of New Zealand. The Rev. A. A. Brash and Mr. T. G. Brash will represent New Zealand 's Natioual Gouncil of Cliurches and the Natioual IMissionary Gounci respectively. "Tt is urged," concluded the Rev. Burley, "that clevgy and members of constituent churches shall observe August 22 as a dav of speeial piaver for the success of this great gathering which one winter has claimed can do more than any other for world unity.;?