WOMEN IN THE CHURCH

Press, Volume LXXXV, Issue 25802, 13 May 1949, Page 2

WOMEN IN THE CHURCH

DOMINION COMMITTEE’S RESOLUTION

INTEREST IN ECUMENICAL STUDY

‘As men and. women are, alike, children of God and responsible persons before God, the Church canfiot fulfil her task completely unless they mutually contribute their varying gilts td her service,” says a resolution passed by the women’s committee of the National Council of Churches in conference at Christchurch. “To this end everything possible should be done to arouse women to their responsibilities, and to train and equip them for the work of the Church.” In continuation of the committee’s ecumenical educational policy a set of studies for women groups in 1949 had been prepared, said the annual report. Orders for supplies had come from England, South Africa, Canada, and Australia. The formation of study groups wherever possible had been fostered. The national women’s committee and its local branches had given' a lead by undertaking similar discussions at their regular meetings, and a growth in fellowship and a greater understanding of ecumenical purpose had been reported. Many opportunities were taken to address women’s groups on the National Council of Churches and the World Council of Churches.

During the present Conference of representatives from all parts of New Zealand, the significance of the Amsterdam assembly and of the life and work of women in the Church has been discussed. The Dominion president (Mrs A. K. Warren, of Christchurch) reported the realism and intellectual honesty by which different races and denominations sought at Amsterdam to achieve understanding and co-operation. Mrs Raymond Dudley of Christchurch, urged the need for evangelism. Mrs Alan, Whitelaw, of Wellington, spoke on the significance of personality and of the individual. The preparation and establishment of the World Council of Churches was discussesd by Mrs J. Baird, of Christchurch. Mrs F. O. Bennett led a debate on plans “after Amsterdam,” and Mrs I. W. Fraser recommended ecumenical literature.

The place of women in the Church was the subiect of the conference’s main discussion, and the resolution urging recognition of their responsibility was carried unanimously.

In a summary of deliberations, the Rev. Alan Brash, secretary of the National Council of Churches, said that in co-operation in the life and work of the Church, the aim to secure understanding on faith and order must not be forgotten. The following execu+ive was elected: Mrs A. K. Warren (president). Mrs Raymond Dudlev (vice-president). Mrs C. C. Holland (secretarv), Mr« E. J. Ward (treasurer), Mrs E. H. Riseley. Mrs C. J. Ward, and Miss J. Erwin.