PRESBYTERIAN ASSEMBLY

Dominion, Volume 20, Issue 44, 16 November 1926, Page 10

PRESBYTERIAN ASSEMBLY

4 The General Assembly resumed its sittings in St. John’s Church yesterday, under the presidency of the Moderator, the Rev. Dr. McNeur. The finance committee reported that the receipts for the year were considerably short of the’ amount required, and it was decided to set apart Sunday, December 12, as a day for a special offertory to make up the shortage. Presbytery, that a retiring minister seeking the status of Minister Emeritus should be allowed to retain his seat in the presbytery until the. request had been dealt with, was considered. The mover, Rev. W. J. Comrie, entered a strong protest against the present method governing the matter. It was, he said, an anomaly that a retiring minister should be at a loose end for nearly a year awaiting the meeting of the Assembly. Dr. Gibb' had found himself in such a position. The Rev. J. H. MacKenzie referred to the follv of loading up presbyteries with worthy, honourable, Fathers of the Church, who had done splendid service, no doubt, at > the risk of defeating the efforts of'the younger men who were doing the active work. In any case the names of applicants should be sent to all presbyteries for consideration.

Mr. MacKenzie’s _ suggestion was agreed to, as an addition to the overt ture, which was carried. An overture from the Wellington Presbytery in favour of admitting women to office in the church, was considered at the evening sitting. The Rev. W. J. Comrie said, he advocated the motion with all his heart and soul. But a discussion* at that stage would be rather valueless, and he preferred the matter should be remitted to the presbyteries for consideration before the next Assembly. The question, no doubt, was coining to the front in every land, and . especially where women were employed in. connection with the mission field. Their elevation to full rank in the church could not be long delayed. (Applause). The Rev. J. McCaw (Lower Hutt) supported the remit on scriptural grounds. The days of ignorance in this matter were over, and God was calling on man to repent of his attitude towards women in this respect. (Hear, hear). Down the centuries the Saviour’s voice was ringing, and if He were here in the flesh He would number women amongst His disciples. They tvere admitted to the ministry in the early church. It might be advanced that women were enjoined “to keep silence” in the church. (Laughter). That refrtred to places where they were under instruction (Dissicnt). The overture was carried, with the addition of Mr. Comrie’s suggestion.