Presbytery Declines To Comment On Article

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31089, 18 June 1966, Page 21

Presbytery Declines To Comment On Article

The Christchurch Presbytery will not make any official comment on the controversial article on the Resurrection by the Rev. L. G. Geering, principal of Knox Theological College. Professor Geering’s actions did not concern the Christchurch Presbytery, as he was not a member of the presbvtery, said the Very Rev. M. W. Wilson. A section of the monthly report of the steering committee giving notice that at the July meeting of the presbytery the committee’s convener, the Rev. D. Glenny, would move that the presbytery “express its confidence in the principal and staff of Theological Hall," was deleted by the presbytery. The presbytery received a letter from the session of St. Albans conveying a resolution of confidence in the staff of Knox Theological Hall. The presbytery approved the statement of faith and “the act of commitment” proposed by the Commission on Church Union.

The purpose of the statement of faith was not to provide a creed-like statement for liturgical use, but an attempt to state the faith held in common, said Mr Wilson, convener of the ecumenical affairs committee. The statement was approved “as adequate for the purpose it is designed to fulfil” with two suggested amendments, one referring to the interpretation of Scripture, and one to “ordinances of a sacramental nature.” “The act of commitment gives the opportunity to each other and the rest of the community to show that we are really in earnest about union,” Mr Wilson said.

Opposing the approval of the act, the Rev. A. P. Cowie said the approval of it was like signing on the bottom line but not knowing the details to be put in later. Supporting the approval, the Rev. D. S. Knight said that the act of commitment could be likened to an engagement In an engagement

a couple committed themselves to a future policy, and there was still much to be learnt during the period of engagement.