PRESBYTERIAN GENERAL SYNOD

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2313, 21 November 1914, Page 9

PRESBYTERIAN GENERAL SYNOD

■'. ■ ". ' —i — -A> — : GERMANY AND UNIVERSAL PEACE. , (By Seieerapa-i'a'ees Association) ,:" . Dunedln, November 20. At the meeting of the Presbyterian General Assembly, this afternoon the committee set up to consider the question of international peace reported that having communicated with the churches in England/ Scotland, Ireland, the Unit ied States, Canada, Australia, ' and I'ranee, and: also the German Lutheran k— oh < trough Dr. Dryander, the Coqrt Chaplain .to the German Emperor, and chief preacher at the Berlin Cathedral, who .passed on the communication to Dr. Voigta, the President of the Evangelical Snpreme Church Council in Berlin, and the highest authority in Church matters in Prussia. In his reply, received eight days after war had been declared by Britain, Dr. Dryander stated that all Christians were in favour of universal peace, but there was room for difference of opinion as to whether this could be done by a peace alliance. Only a very small section of the German public or' Church would be disposed to join such an association. The writer referred to the conviction that Germany could preserve'the peace of the world as an actual .faot'only in virtue of her military power, and was strong enough to prevent other nations going to war. ■''.'."•".■'

. The committee recommended that the Sunday before Christmas should be observed as "Peace Sunday.'. , . ~. The, report was adopted. The report of the Bible-in-Schools Committee urged niemberi. and adherents, of the Church to vote for Parliamentary candidatea. supporting, the referendum on the,question. The report was adopted. It was decided that jninisters be requested to bring the Bible-in-schools question before congregation on December 6. The Assembly further considered the matter of foreign missions, 'when the following motions wore carried: —That the rebuilding of tio N.ew. Hebrides Hospital be postponed during the war. That Dr. Bowie remain in New Zealand for a year, That the Church maintain. its present mission work, and send an additional educational missionary tb China. That the committee have discretionary powers as to sending a deputation to the East.

the Assembly discussed the Home Missions report this-evening. Congregational contributions increased by £1260, and totalled £3716. There are 110 regular agencies, manned by capable missionaries, who are doing faithful and effeotive work. . The Rev. B. 0. Perry, itinerary minister in North .Auckland, gave a vivid account of that great country with its opportunity and responsibi'ity. It was. resolved to plant new stations in needy districts, and to commend the work to tho continued, generosity of the Church. ;