‘SHORT STATEMENT’

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 56, Issue 23, 8 November 1935, Page 3

‘SHORT STATEMENT’

PRESBYTERIAN FAITH.

AN OVERWHELMING MAJORITY.

(Per Press Association).

WELLINGTON, November 7.

The debate on the “short statement” of the Presbyterian faith, which was begun at the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of New Zealand on Tuesday, w r as concluded to-day, when the document was accepted by gn overwhelming majority.

The “short statement” in an efford to express the faith of the church in documentary form, in view of the fact- that since the Westminster Cpnfession of Faith was drawn up, SOO yeai’s ago, thought has moved forward. A short statement was issued by the Church of Scotland to meet the new situation. The New Zealand Church sent the statement to the various Presbyteries for their consideration, and 18 out of 19 gave their approval.

The chief criticism of the statement came from those who emphasised the infallibility of the Bible, ancj from the Wanganui Presbytery, where the point at issue was that the statement presented the view that Christ’s work accomplished nothing as far as God was concerned, but was merely a revelation of God with the purpose of changing men. •

The defenders of the statement pleaded for • a comprehensive document which would meet the many divergent views, as long as those views were consistent with historical Christianity; and it was contended that some of the objections raised were based on a misunderstnding. It was also said that the statement was in no sense binding, but that it was commended to the attention of the Church for its guidance.