PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

Taranaki Daily News, 29 November 1916, Page 6

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

CHURCH UNITY By Telegraph.—Press Association. Wellington, November 27. Church union was the main theme indulged in by a deputation from the Wellington Ministers' Association which waited upon the 'Presbyterian Assembly to-day: Rev. J. R. Glasson, representing the Wellington Ministers' Association, conveyed fraternal greetings to the Assembly, The Christian world owed a great deal to Presbyterians, he said. Speaking as a Congregationalist, he stated that he could not help thinking that the two churches had much in. common. They were able to realise that yesterday, when the Assembly sent two of its ministers tc. tile Congregational Church 011 the Terrace. Why was it, he asked, that free churches could not join forces? As he listened to the services yesterday lie was impressed by the fact that there was little difference between the two churches at present. There was talk of shortage of ministers. Well, he was convinced that there was a certain amount of waste throughout, the Dominion. There was evidence of it on the Terrace, when two churches close together had practically tlie same ideals, two churches that placed practically the same interpretation on spiritual matters. He hoped the time was coming when there would be closer union, whether it would be organ'c union or simply federation he could not say, but he hoped something in the way of union would ultimately be arrived at. He expected the war would have a wonderful effect on the position, placing it no doubt in a new light.

On Dr. Gibbs' motion, the Assembly thanked the Wellington Ministers' Association for their presence, and expressed appreciation and reciprocation of the sentiments of fraternity and esteem expressed by Mr. Glasson, assuring the deputation and churches they represent of its realisation of unity in faith and hope and services wlfich bind together all churches that hold Christ as the head.

The Assembly was occupied to-day with reports on schools and colleges established under the church's aegis, all showing satisfactory progress and good work done.

It was reported that the Christchurcb Presbytery would probably shortly undertake the founding of a boys' college. A report 011 the work of chaplain; was submitted bv Rev. W. Shirer. Chaplains Scott and Gilbert, from Trentham and Featherston camps, addressed the Assembly, and were given a hearty reception.

A communication was received from the Y.M.C.A., to which a reply is to be sent by the Moderator. The Sabbath school section now includes 749 schools and 37,469 scholars.

■UNION OF THE CHURCHES. Wellington, Nov. 28. At the 'Presbyterian General Assembly the subject of union between the churches was dealt with. The Rev. W. J. Comrie introduced an overture from the Presbytery of Wellington, which asked the Assembly to set up a committee to confer with representatives of the sister churches as to whether corporate union was desirable or practicable, or whether co-opera-tion should be entered upon, or whether there should be any scheme of the mutual eligibility of ministers and other church workers. The Rev. Dr. Elliott moved—"That, as the subject of union had been discussed some years ago, and disclosed antagonism on the part of the church, and there has been since 110 evidence of change of opinion, and as this proposal ignores the real union already existing between the churches, 'and would cut the church off from the historic Presbyterian Church, 110 committee should be appointed, but appreciation should be expressed of the good work done by other, churches." The Rev. James Faterson seconded the motion.

Dr. Gibb, while sympathising with the ideal of corporate union between the churches holding the same evangelica ltradition, moved —"'That tlie church should make i""uiry of the presbyteries, sessions, and congregations, and, if expedient, co.....iunieate to the other churches concerned the decision thus arrived at." The Rev. Jas. Aitken seconded the proposal, and advocated cautious procedure. | The discussion is proceeding.