THE CHURCH UNION QUESTION.

Press, Volume LX, Issue 11525, 6 March 1903, Page 2

THE CHURCH UNION QUESTION.

DISCUSSION IN THE METHODIST CONFERENCE.

At the Methodist Conference yesterday, the Rev. J. J. Lewie moved —"That this Conference has received with mucti satisfaction the resolution of the General .Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of New Zealand, on the grand subject of ttie union of tne Evangelical Church, and has also listened -with pleasure to the fraternal sentiments expre.ssed by the deputation which presented the resolution. The Conference gladly recognises the fading of mm sectarian differences, and the growth of linter-denominational amenities end cooperation. . Believing that movements along these lines will be acoalerated year by year, it appoints a central committee in Chrifitchureh, with corresponding committeee in the other districts, to sit during the year and consult with the committees of the other churches as to the basis upon which a comprehensive federation may bs carried cut." In moving, Mr Lewis said thfc churches met on equal terms, and tho.advantages of union were inestimable. The Rev. Mr Gibb and Dr. Envin, in speaking a.s they liad yesterday, had raised the .Conference to a high level, it would be unspeakably to their own gain to add to themselves their Presbyterian brethren. The Rev. Mr Lewis dealt at length with phases of history of botu churches.' It was not- 1 a mercenary suggestion. One of the difficulties before the Conference ivas the Prince Albert. College ; that would disappear with union. He looked upon this spirit of union as the death-blow to bigotry. Seeing that they were not called upon tr> surrender any vital principle, and being assured that better results must 'inevitably follow union. he trusted the Conference would support the motion, .and hasten the desired end. The Rev. H. Bull spoke in favour of the motion, believing that union between the churches was possible, and "would be to the glory of God. The Rev. P. W. I'airclough Baid to aim at anything but a union which would leave both churches their peculiarities would be Utopian. There was the question upon what points could they forbear. He therefore took it that it was federation they wanted, and that the wording of the resolution was the right one.

Tho Rev. A. C. La wry said he was glad there was not likely to be any theological difficulty in the way of union. One side said it was possible to fall from grace, and the other that it was not. If they joined hands they might prevent the fall. The Rev. W. Baumber said they would be very poor Christians if they did not welcome this approach. There were difficulties of many sorts, but none but what could be ovtr'come if the approach were met .in the right spirit. Mr (i. H. Blackwell said that if the condition was brought about referred to in the resolution, it would give the Church such an impetus that it would make her win.

Mr Duke spoke, Mr Lewis then replying, and the motion was carried, the worn "federation" in the last lin-e being altered to "union," all the members of Conference rising to their feet and applaudiDg. The following committee was then set up:—The President and Revs. Bull, Lee, Baumber, Parsonson, with Messrs W. Harris, J. G. Smith, J. T. Prudhoe, and E. C. Brown.