THE CHURCH AND DIVORCE

Press, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22121, 17 June 1937, Page 9

THE CHURCH AND DIVORCE

DIVERGENT OPINIONS EXPRESSED REVERSION TO ORIGINAL ATTITUDE DESIRED Widely divergent opinions aboo* divorce were expressed at the monthly meeting of the Christchurch Presbytery yesterday, when the Rev. T. W. Armour read a report of the life and work committee. The Church allowed divorce only for adultery or desertion, said Mr Armour. The State law of 1320 allowing a separation by mutual consent had caused difficulties. There •«• suggestions that divorces should l>e *&• lowed for habitual drunkenness. in* sanity, and cruelty, which made essential a united stand by the Church. There were certain to be doubtful cases which, he would suggest. nufOß be referred t 6 the Presbytery by ministers con'ronted by them. Sojanportant a question should be banana with the utmost circumspection. H* felt that directions should be given to a committee to analyse the N*» Testament position and to todroae other denominations and presbyttii** stood. . . . ~ . "This important subject should not have been sprung upon the Presbytery." said the Rev. T. Paterson. "I am not in agreement with the motion. It is time the Church took up a position on the New Testament TneM is too much pushing through of motions without hearing the other side. We must consider the original Church position that marriage can be dissolved only by death and not by man-made laws." The matter wa<= held over till next meeting, copies of the motion to be submitted to members for consideration. ___