CHURCH UNION

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 284, 27 August 1919, Page 3

CHURCH UNION

HOIUTIKA PRESfiYTEBIAN'REaOLU. ■riOA's: ,

At the largest annual congregational meeting held for many years of tit. Andrew's Church", lioKitika (Rev, P. B. Frasor, M.A.), the following deliverance on the question 01 Cjiurch (Jniou unaninvously adopted by the session, and read to the congregation at two services of worship belorehand, was unanimously adopted by the congregation, also on tho motion of Mr. A. Aitkeu, seconded by Mr. James Park.

Tho session of Hokitika Presbyterian Church being called on to express its mind on overtures adopted by last Assembly on a-proposal to initiate action lor corporate union wilh tho Methodist and Congregational Churches, resolves as follows:—

(I).—Tlio session expresses its cordial esteem tor thcother uhurches concerned, and wishes them all success in their witness and service in the Lord, in so far as tliey are found adhering to the historic iaitli, and testimony of their respective ck'V'ilfta, ns we ourselves desire to bo fouiiil loyal to the faith once delivered to the saints and embodied in the historic, testimony of this Church.

(2).—The proposal to initiate action for corporate union now submitted to consideration of tlio Church through sessions and congregations, tiiis session declines to sanction, and desires to intimate to all concerncu its h'r.vi adherence to the historic faith and standards of this church, and its intention, should occasion arise, to resist by all lawhil means any iiltcmpt to wreck the Presbyterian Church of this Dominion under cover, of union with other Churches.

(3).—This session deems it proper to protest against the manner in which the proposals have come before it, in as much as the' proper constitutional au-. tliority of the Assembly clerk has been set aside, and the rightful powers of Presbyteries ignored by the action of Assembly in itself appointing committees in.Presbyteries to actively promote the cause of unionism within their respective bounds, and to receive anil transmit results to a central committee of unionists in Wellington, instead of to the Assembly Clerk through the clerk of Presbytery. The session declines to circulate pamphlets issued by ,Mic committee of unionists in Wellington when not authorised by the Assembly and expressive of its ascertained mind.

The session resolves that copy of theco resolutions be forwarded to clerk of AVestlaud Presbytery for transmission to the proper authorities.

Tlio session further resolves that tho above resolutions be reported to a congregational meeting with a view (o consideration and approval by the congregation, and be rend to the congregation beforehand at two services.