CHURCH UNION.

Auckland Star, Volume L, Issue 187, 8 August 1919, Page 10

CHURCH UNION.

FOR ASD AGAINST. The proposed union of churches Tras discussed at the annual meetings held by St. Luke's Presbyterian Church, Kemuera and the Eden Presbyterian Church. At the latter the question was discussed very fully, both sides being carefully explained by the chairman. When the meeting was asked to vote on the question the result was against the union of the churches, and the meeting unanimously agreed on a more comprehensive scheme of federation which would in some reepects include Baptists and Anglicans in addition to Methodists and Congrcgationalists with the Presbyterians. • At St. I/uke'e Presbyterian Church. Remuera, it was unanimously resolved, on the motion of Mr. H. B. Barnett, seconded 'by Mr. S. Donaldson: "That, provided a suitable basis of policy and doctrine can be arranged, this congregation is in favour of a union of the Presbyterian, Methodist and Congregational Churches." CONGREGATIONAL UNION. A committee was set up t>y the Congregational Union of New Zealand to consider and report upon this matter. A report has now been submitted which is favourable to members' views being taken as to the advisability of amalgamation with the Presbyterian Church, without waiting to see whether Methodists and Baptists will join in the movement, as that may. involve delay. Circulars have been issued toi members of Congregational Churches in Auckland, calling them to meetings to go into the whole question preparatory to voting upon the subject. FAVOURED IN SOUTHLAND. The Southland Presbytery, by 11 votes to 5, voted in favour of Church union, provided it did not undermine the principles of or interfere with the work of the Presbyterian ChurcE. '