CHURCH UNION

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 126, 21 February 1919, Page 5

CHURCH UNION

DEBATE BY PRESBYTERIAN ASSEMBLY. By Telegraph—Press Association, ■ . Dunedin, February 20. The question of the proposed' union with the New Zealand Methodist and Congregational churches came before the Presbyterian General Assembly to-night. Overtures on "the matter were forwarded from moat of the presbyteries. The. Rev. Dr. James Gibb (Wellington) mov'ed: "That the assembly adopts the overture, and in order to give effect'to its suggestions-further resolves: (1) To ascertain the mind of the Church 011 the question of union with the Methodist and Congregational Churches by submitting it to the presbyteries, kirk sessions, and congregations for their consideration and report to next assembly; (2) to facilitate the inquiry, appoint a central committee with a -branch committee in every presbytery,, upon whom shall rest the responsibility of giving effect to the assembly's instructions, the branch committee to report to the central commit-' tee -not' later than September 30. In adopting this resolution, tho General Assembly now declares' that whatever be -the- immediate or ultimate issue of -these proceedings 110 union 'shall bo consummated until Parliament lias passed the legislation necessary to conserve to the united Church its property now held by the Presbyterian, the Methodist, and the Congregational Churches of New Zealand respectively." Dr. Gibb urged the assembly to go forward with caution, yet resolutely and fearlessly. The' Rev. Isaac Jolly seconded the motion. He said he believed that in New Zealand tlie.y were ready for union oil the lines on which it had taken place in Canada. 'X _ . Dr. Kennedy Elliott said he questioned whether there was widespread desire amongst Church members for Church union, arid he suggested that some of tlie overtures that had been" received h»d been prompted by Dr. Gibb. He (Dr. Elliott) adyocated federation. It was moved: "Whereas in our judgment, there is no desire on the part of the gi'eat bulk of the membership of our Church for union, and unless the membership of our Church cordially, and, indeed, enthusiastically, entertain it, corporate union would not advance the interests of the Kingdom of God, it is hereby resolved that the present time is not opportune for a definite movement for incorporate union, but, as it is alleged that there is a strong demand on tho part of the evongelical churches for closer co-operation in social and other questions, and as there is undoubtedly ft waste of energy and strength by overlapping in the 6iualler centres, that a committee be appointed to ascertain to what extent the demand may be met by a federation of the church, and to report to the next assembly." The debate was adjourned till next day.