WINDOW ON THE CHURCHES

Taupo Times, Volume 19, Issue 100, 30 December 1970, Page 11

WINDOW ON THE CHURCHES

The annual conference of the Methodist Church in Christchurch this month: Expressed unanimous support for the World Council of Churches' five-year programme to combat racism. Called on the Government to dissociate itself from actions of the South Vietnamese Government that suppress human rights and to withdraw New Zealand's troops. Approved a major restructuring of the national Church. A Council of Mission and five new divisions will take the place of prgsent departments from 1973. Asked the Government to negotiate a new contract with Comalco to allow Lake Manapouri to be preserved as a national asset. Supported current moves to integrate the Maori language more fully into the New Zealand education system. Pressed the Joint Commission on Church Union to speed the way to union. Agreed to allocate one per cent of the Church 's national budget to the World Council of Churches' Development Fund in 1972-73. Encouraged moves to stimulate new thinking on worship and reassess the deployment of ministers. Highlighted the need for New Zealand to take a more responsible role in the South Pacific in development aid, trade and immigration. Approved the establishment of a national Samoan Policy Committee, related to the annual conference. Affirmed support for NZBC control of a second television channel. Disbanded the Tempcrance Committee and entrusted liquor and drug issues to the Public Questions Committee. Authorised a special $12,000 appeal for overseas missions during the coming year. Raised ministers' stipends by $250 to $2350 a year from January 1. Resolved to meet next year in Wellington and in 1972 at Whangarei.