MOVE FOR UNITED CHURCH OF CEYLON

Press, Volume C, Issue 29637, 6 October 1961, Page 5

MOVE FOR UNITED CHURCH OF CEYLON

A recommendation that the Church of the Province of New Zealand enter into relations of full Communion with the Church of Lanka (Ceylon) when it comes into being was agreed on unanimously at the end of the third day of the Diocese of Christchurch Synod. . The motion was parsed with another recommendation that no decision be made on the question of the future of the Church of North India-Pakistan until further information about the proposed plan was available. After discussion lasting throughout the afternoon and evening, the mover, the Rev Canon M. Peaston summed up and urged members' support of the motion. Concluding the debate, the president of the synod (the Very Rev. M. G. Sullivan) acting in his capacity as vicar-general. said that synod had been profoundly moved, stirred and helped by these discussions. “The church of New Zealand could very easily in the next 25 years contemplate entering into such a scheme as this one. Already we have entered into discussions with four other churches on the draft basis of church union “And if I were called within the next 20 years to enter into such a scheme I would give my vote,” said Dean Sullivan.

Among other speakers. Mr S. R. Cuming, a Synodsman for St, Michael’s Church. Christchurch, said it should be emphasised that the decision being asked of Anglicans throughout the Commonwealth was of wider significance than might superficially be realised. “Momentous” “This is a momentous decision that we are now being called upon to make —and one which is bound to have repercussions throughout the Anglican communion. It might well exercise a decisive influence on the future of church union negotiations in all parts of the world and on the future of the Anglican community itself. ‘This is not a local scheme but a principle and a policy in itself. “If the principle is right in Ceylon, it is right in every country of the world,” he said. Mr Cuming then referred to the contribution which the Church of England could make to the proposed united church. “We in the Anglican Church have many gifts to share with our other church brethren.” he said.

Episcopacy for example, the backbone of historical Christianity, was something “too precious to let go.

“This must be held fast as it is perhaps our chief contribution to the order of the united church for which we pray,” he said. Mr Cuming also said that .it should always be remembered that no church in

Christendom had done more to unite the various churches as the Church of England. The Rev. R. A. Carson, of BeKast-Styx, said Anglicang could not expect to judge this situation in the normal terms to which they were accustomed. “We are dealing with a quite unique situation. What would be the reaction if we turned a cold shoulder to the church people of Ceylon. “If we say no. because this doesn’t fit our every specific requirement, the result will only be a hardening of the attitude and discouragement to all.” Urging delegates to support the motion, the Rev. Canon F. C. Synge, principal of Christchurch College, said it was important to consider whether such a move could be applied in the home frame, work of New Zealand or even in Christchurch. "If it is good for dhe circircumference surely it is good for the centre,” he said. (“Hear, hear” from delegates.) Evening Discussion When the discussion was continued at the evening's session, the Rev. C. E. Tanner (Waihao Downs) said the church today was in a tremendous crisis. “I don’t think some of us in New Zealand, away from the turmoil, have thoroughly realised this. “I am all for the Church of England disappearing and resurrecting itself in a United Church of Christ. I would like to see us humble enough to do this.” The Ven. Archdeacon H M. Cocks. Archdeacon of of Christchurch. said it should be emphasised that the particular fellowship to which a man belonged should never be regarded of principal importance.

“After all, no denominational fellowship can contain all the saints,” he said. The Rev. B. O. Richards, of Lyttelton, said he regarded an over-emphasis on words and definition of beliefs as a frequent stumbling block. “Essentially we believe the same things. the same truths.” he said.

Mr N. A. Collins, a layman, of Sumner, said it was essential that Anglicans be prepared to make changes. It was not important that members of the faith were necessarily in agreement with the opinions of the Lambeth Conference of the Church of England.