CHURCH TOLERANCE.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXV, Issue 57, 8 March 1913, Page 6

CHURCH TOLERANCE.

AN EX-PRESIDENT’S VIEWS

DISCUSSED BY AIETHODISf CONFERENCE.

(Received 11.15 a.m.)

Sydney, March 8

In his retiring address,- the Rev. Mr Meek, ex-president of the Methodist Conference, dealt with the question of fixed creeds and freedom of thought, and urged the necessity of tolerance in the matter of theological thinking, keeping abreast of the best intellectual life and knowledge of the age. Ho declared: ‘Could Wesley reappear to-day, one of the first things he would take in hand would be the complete adjustment oi Methodism, its present conditions and knowledge.”

Mr Meek’s utterances led to much heartburning and press correspondence. The Conference, last night, discussed tl;o matter at length, and in earnest, for some time, and there was a warm debate. While agreeing with Mr Meek as to the necessity of freedom ox thought, and the need of progress, and expressing soundness in Mr Meek’s fundamental faith and doctrines, some of the speakers were of the opinion that his pronounce merits, being of an official character, might make in the direction of shaking the faith and loyalty of the Christian community. . .....

Eventually a resolution was carried drawing attention to the fact that Mr Meek had, in intimating such views, expressed and voiced his own opinions, and not those of the Church; that the Methodist Conference is profoundly convinced that the doctrinal standards of our Church is in harmony with and revealed the Word of God that is legitimate or that could be desired, consistent with the definite holding and preaching of the doctrinal truths on which our Church is built.

Prior to carrying the resolution, Mr Meek declared it was his message to the Church, and he was going to stand by it. He was astonished that so many intelligent men should misrepresent him as he was misrepresented during the debate. The President assured Mr Meek ot his personal love and of the confidence of members of the Conference.