Anglicans Approve Union Move

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30269, 23 October 1963, Page 15

Anglicans Approve Union Move

New Zealand was an ideal country for church unity, said Dr. W. M. Brookfield, supporting a motion moved by Mr S. R. Cuming at the Christchurch diocesan synod yesterday calling on synod to affirm “its desire to seek a basis of a union into which the Church of the Province could enter together with the present negotiating churches.” The synod adopted the motion.

The motion also asked that the general synod be requested to make explicit that the provincial committee on church union be not limited to "exploratory conversations” with the joint standing committee of the other churches but becomes a negotiating member and that the Bishop of Christchurch (the Rt. Rev A. K. Warren) appoint a committee to advise general synod on the theological and administrative problems it wishes clarified and to stimulate interest among church people in the parishes in the question of reunion.

Discussions between the Presbyterian, Methodist, Congregational and Church of Christ denominations had been going on for many years in New Zealand, said Mr Cuming These* discussions hod now resulted in a draft basis of union, and the Anglican Church had to make up its mind whether or not it wished to become a negotiating member. In these momentous days of change, there was no need for faithless pessimism for they were also exciting days in which all of Christendom showed signs of the growing admission that the only response to be made was that of reunion. Perhaps it could all be summed up in the change of emohasis from the first word to the second in the phrase “separated brethren,” said Mr Cuming When thinking of reunion, said Mr Cuming, it was necessary to think of what would advance the whole of Christendom, and make sure that all the negotiations for

smaller reunions were consistent with the larger. He said one should beware of forcing the pace, study every scheme with patience and hold the balance; and when making final decisions, give regard to the repercussions in the Church of England itself. Fears of Split Real church unity needed all ministers coming together, he said, adding that if the present plan for union between the Anglican and Methodist churches in England went ahead, there would, in fact, be three churches, not one. One had to be careful not to be hypocritical and face the deeper issues When discussing union, the Rev. S. M. Warner said supporting the motion. He told of the problems in a new housing area where the Anglican and Methodists shared each others churches placed at either end of the area—but celebrated the sacraments separately. “When it comes to what we hold most dear, we are completely divided.” he said, and pointed tp the danger of pushing the sacraments of the background to concentrate on those matters in which the church could agree.

If the church committed itself to negotiating, it would have to. realise that it was committing itself to something which would often be uncomfortable and cause soul-searching, he said. “New Zealand is on the verge of new beginnings and I believe we should be involved with them,” said Archdeacon A. M. Cocks. Putting the motion. Bishop Warren told the synod: “This is a great moment of moving forward, and I am pleased to be associated with it,” The motion, which had been enthusiastically received on its introduction by Mr Cuming, was passed unanimously.