FERMENTED WINE AT COMMUNION.

Press, Volume LIV, Issue 16206, 8 May 1918, Page 8

FERMENTED WINE AT COMMUNION.

* PRESBYTER lAN MINISTER'S PROTEST. (SPECIAL TO "THE PRESS.") DUNEDLN, 3lay 7. At to-day's meeting of the Dunedin Presbytery, the Rev. Mr Kinmont, in forwarding his resignation from tne charge of East Taicri, wrote: "I feel that my work is done. For somo time past my opinion regarding tho uso of tormented wine at tne Lord's Supper has been growing stronger, until it iias settled into a firm conviction. I have c<me to believe that it is no longer right and fitting for us in our day and generation to uso that which is responsible for so much of tlie misery, the crime, the sin, the suffering, and the moral and spiritual ruin in New Zealand and throughout the Empire, as the symbol of all that is holiest and most sacred in our faith. When the fruit of the vine .can be obtained in an unfemented state, I cannot, see my way to uso alcoholic wine as a symbol of the love and blood and sacrifice of our blessed Lord, and of bur salvation through Him. Some months ago I informed my Ivirk Session of my views on this subject. At our last Communion I wa3 compelled by my convictions to use tinfermentcd wine even against tho •wish of my Kirk Session, though the use of it meant the absence from Communion and probable resignation of at least one of our session elders. We liavo had no quarrel or ill-feeling in the matter, but having acted as I did and feeling as I do, I have taken tho earliest opportunity of sending in my resignation to tho Presbytery."

The Rev. J. Kilpatrick in moving that the resignation be accepted, said ho had never moved a resolution with deeper regret. Mr Kinmont had for some time ha 3 a growing conviction that in view of the misery caused throughout tho Empire by tho use of alcohol, it should not be used in any form in connexion with the Lord's Supper. This was Mr Kinmont's view, and whether one agreed with him or not, one must have a great deal of admiration when a man hau so much courage of his convictions that he had cut himself adrift from a charge which so suited him, and to which he was so eminently suited, rather than violate his conscience. The motion was carried. It was further agreed that tho question of wine at Communion service be referred to the Ecclesiastical Committee, to report.