PROTESTANT LAYMEN

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20098, 18 November 1939, Page 6

PROTESTANT LAYMEN

NEW FELLOWSHIP FORMED SEVERAL DENOMINATIONS GOOD EARLY RESPONSE With lilt' approval and support of the respective denomination;; concerned, and of the Gisborne Ministers' Association, a Protestant laymen's fellowship lias been formed in Gisborne. and already several '.nestings have been held with a growing measure of : access.

The movement was inaugurated at a meeting held at the Parish Hall, and subsequent meetings have taken i place at the Church of Christ, St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, Bright Street Methodist Church, and the Baptist Tabernacle. The next gathering of the fellowship will bo at the Salvation Army Citadel. Characterised by harmony, co-op-eration and a real sense of community of interest, meetings have been a source of inspiration to all who attended, and have demonstrated in 1 the mosl convincing manner the real solidarity among those of the Pro- - lestant faith, regardless of denominational adherence. On Wednesday (-veiling, at the Baptist Tabernacle, a round-table | discussion took place concerning the future aims and objectives of the association, and the best means ol I accomplishing them. It was agreed that the first objective must be to present to the community an undivided Christian witness, to make known the common unity which exists, and to- use all means that others might share in, the salvation and. : blessings the Christian faith affords.

It was felt by all present that, quite apart from the inherent advantages of the regular gatherings, such a movement should have great possibilities in the most important directions; but that it was necessary to make the matter the subject of much prayer by all concerned, so that action would not be taken in advance of Divine guidance. It was agreed also that as the movement was still in its initial stages it would be premature to make any detailed statement regarding plans and intentions.

However, it was considered desirable in the meantime thai, the community should know that such a movement existed among the laymen of the Protestant churches, and to extend a cordial invitation to all those interested to attend its meetings. which will be notified from time to time.