PRESBYTERIAN ASSEMBLY.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLIX, Issue 3877, 29 November 1928, Page 2

PRESBYTERIAN ASSEMBLY.

UNION OF 'CHURCHES DISCUSSED. Auckland, November 27. At the Presbyterian General Assembly Rev. Dr. Gibb moved that in view of the piercing call to unity in the moderatorial address and of the need for union among the churches most nearly alike, the Assembly should set up a small committee to consider whether the time had not arrived to resume negotiations for union with the Methodist and Congregational churches the committee to report to the present Assembly.

Dr. Gibb was convinced that some day union would be accomplished. They might set up a committee whose duty would be to institute a series of inquiries as to the state of feeling in the churches concerned. The Rev. James Aitken seconded. The Rev. J. M. Brodie moved an . amendment that the Assembly, in 'the absence of any overture on church union, should take no action meanwhile.

The amendment, which was seconded by the Rev. D. N. MacKenzie, was lost by a large majority and the motion was carried. MILITARY TRAINING.

The Assembly passed a motion reaffirming the resolution of the last Assembly regarding military training and rights of conscience and approving the action of the committee in supporting the claims of Messrs Richards, Byrt and Miller for exemption. A proposal to instruct the com,‘mittee to continue its efforts to obtain the ruling of the GovernorGeneral regarding an alternative form of service for conscientious ' objectors was deleted.