CHURCH UNION.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLI, Issue 1975, 10 May 1919, Page 3

CHURCH UNION.

A meeting of members of the local Presbyterian Church was held last night to listen to addresses by the Rev. Alex. Doull, M.A., and Mr Munro, on the question of union of the Presbyterian, Methodist and Congregational churches. The Rev. J. H. Bredin presided over a moderate attendance. The Rev, Mr Doull explained the remit which had been forwarded to the General Assembly, asking, that steps be taken to consummate % union of the three churches mentioned. The proposal had been favoured by an Overwhelming majority of the Presbyteries throughout the Dominion, The subject was debated at length by the Assembly, and a resolution carried in support. The matter was then placed in the hands of a central committee, which had appointed certain men in each Presbytery (o submit the matter to individual congregations, and to take a vote on the question. The representatives were not present to express their personal views on the subject-, but those of the Assembly. Those present were asked to say whether they would give the proposal of union sympathetic support. When the feeling of members was obtained, the vital points as a basis of union would be gone into by Presbyteries and Kirk Sessions.

Mr i\Jum’o spoke on similar lines. After several questions were asked, the following motion was carried:

“That this meeling of Foxton congregation, having in view the weakness in testimony, life and work arising from disunion among Christians holding substantially the same faith, heartily approves of the principle of union between (he Presbyterian, Methodist and Congregational Churches in New Zealand, provided a suitable basis in doctrine and polity be submitted to Presbytery and Sessions, is agreed upon.” There were no votes recorded against tlie motion, but two or three abstained from voting. Votes of thanks were accorded the speakers, and (lie-mooting closed with the Benediction.