Laymen Not Discussed

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31295, 15 February 1967, Page 1

Laymen Not Discussed

An attempt to raise the question of the existence of the Association of Presbyterian Laymen was defeated at the monthly meeting of the Presbytery of Christchurch yesterday.

The Rev. R. W. Simpson moved a notice of motion that, “the life and mission committee be requested to give consideration to the Association of Presbyterian Laymen and report on the need or otherwise of such an organisation in the Presbyterian Church of New Zealand and make such recommendations as it deems wise.” Mr Simpson asked that the church consider its attitude to the association and whether it had the right to use the title, Association of Presbyterian Laymen.

He also asked whether a layman’s association was contrary to the doctrine of the organised Presbyterian Church. The Rev. L. Jones said th* motion would not achieve anything. “This is what a reformed faith is about,” he said. “If a group is concerned, let them express that concern. We must not give the impression that they are on trial and this is an inquisition.” It was then moved that the Presbytery move to its next business and the motion was allowed to lapse.