“MANY IN WORLD ON BRINK OF DESPAIR”

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29973, 7 November 1962, Page 19

“MANY IN WORLD ON BRINK OF DESPAIR”

(New Zealand Press Association)

There were many in the world for whom life was a mere existence on the brink of despair, said the Rt. Rev. M. W. Wilson, the new Moderator of the Presbyterian Church of New Zealand, in his address at his induction in St. John’s Church tonight. “Not least, such men and women are to be found in welfare states where economic security is guaranteed. They desperately need help which the Gospel of Jesus Christ offers,” said Mr Wilson.

His address was based on the new English version of I Corinthians 13:13: “In a word, there are three things that last forever; faith, hope and love," Christian faith was not to v be tested by man’s acceptance or rejection of doctrinal statements. Orthodox belief was not faith, nor did it always accompany genuine faith.

Thia belief was personal trust in God as He had made Hanself known in Jesus Christ, and obedience to His will.

This faith would express itself in active Christian service. The preaching and teaching of the Church must be directed toward building people up in this faith. Mr Wilson urged assembly members to realise they were living not when Khrushchev and Kennedy were heads of the great earthly powers, bu. in the everlasting reign of the Lord Jesus Christ. Mr Wilson. of Knox Church. Christchurch, succeeds the Very Rev. S. C. Frahcis, of St. Paul's Church. Christchurch, as Moderator.

After graduating M.A. at the University of Otago. Mr Wilson studied at the Theological Hall, Dunedin, and Westminster College, Cambridge. He was ordained at Huntly in 1931. 'Tn 1934 he returned to England to be minister of the Presbyterian Church at York. In 1933 he was called to Chalmers Church. Timaru, and in 1951 to Knox Church. Mr Wilson has served on a

number of committees of the General Assembly. He has also taken an interest in marriage guidance. Heritage and ecumenical affairs. He served as a chaplain in the Air Force in 1942-43.

Governor To Attend

(NJJ. Press Association) WELLINGTON, November 6. The Governor - General designate, Sir Bernard Fergusson. is expected to attend the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of New Zealand in St. John's Church next Monday. Sir Bernard Fergusson is understood to have expressed a wish to visit the assembly, which opened today. He is a representative elder in the Assembly of the Church of Scotland and is a member of some of its committees.

Among other decisions to be taken by the assembly are appointments to two chairs in the Theological Hall, Dunedin. and the appointment of a principal at the Maori Theological College.