THE BAPTIST UNION.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXII, Issue 8947, 12 October 1907, Page 3

THE BAPTIST UNION.

Annual Conference.

Per Press Association. Auckland, October 11

Last night the annual address was delivered by the president, the Rev. J. C. Martin (Christchurch), on the subject of “ The present religious opportunity of the Church in New Zealand.” Never was it more needful that the Church should see all round the problems that faced her. The last 25 years had seen great changes in social and religious conditions. Some could see no manner of good in forces that had arisen in late years, but the Church ought to be the first to express thankfulness for changes that really made her opportunity. It might be difficult to adjust the Church to these new conditions, but her very life depended on its being done. The influence of science and Biblical criticism, the organisations of industry, the increased complexity of social life, the reawakened interest in philosophy and psychical research, had all seriously affected the Church’s work, but modern movements of thought were providential, making tho Church’s real opportunity. That opportunity was distinctly a religious one. The world had lost its way, and wandered after every voice that seemed to offer guidance. The Church must lead it back.

The Union received a report on the Annuity Fund, which showed that progress had been made during the year. A meeting of the laymen resolved to make a vigorous effort to mark the semi-jubilee by establishing a capital fund sufficient to put the annuity scheme on a satisfactory working basis. The Conference received a deputation from the Auckland Ministers’ Association asking for the co-opera-tion of the Baptist Union in securing the suppression of certain sports held in Auckland which were little more than a means for extensive gambling among young men.