ECCLESIASTICAL.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVI, Issue 132, 8 June 1904, Page 3

ECCLESIASTICAL.

METHODIST CONFERENCE. MELBOURNE, June 7. At the Methodist Conference the Rev. Williams, Xcw Zealand, moved adoption of the recommendation of the committee in regard to memliership, which, while retaining class fellowship meetings, and urging atthereat, does not make it the basis of church membership. It is stated that this has been adopted by the Methodist Church in six out of seven States of Australasia. After an animated debate the recommendations were adopted. Mr Carruthers (New South Wales) moved an amendment that it is inexpedient to make any fundamental change in the basis of membership, but, recognising the desirableness of adapting forms of fellowship to modern circumstances, it bo resolved to establish a monthly testimony meeting. The debate was adjourned. The conference, after considering a recommendation in favour of making an appeal for funds to enter upon mission work in India and China, resolved that mission work in the South Sea and amongst the Chinese and Indian immigrants to Queensland and Fiji at present demand* the undivided efforts of the Methodisi* Church of Australia.

UNION OF THE CHURCHES. TIMARU, June 7. The Timaru Presbytery to-day, by 10 to 3, carried a motion against union with the Methodist and Congregational Churches.