Many Congregations Disturbed—Minister

Press, Volume CVII, Issue 31543, 4 December 1967, Page 14

Many Congregations Disturbed—Minister

(New Zealand Prate Aeeoelatum) WELLINGTON, December 3. There are indications throughout New Zealand that a number of congregations were contemplating seceding from the Presbyterian Church as a result of the controversy surrounding statements made by Professor L. G. Geering, according to the Rev. J. K. Fairbairn, minister of St John’s Presbyterian Church, Wellington.

“I believe this is more widespread than is at present assumed,” said Mr Fairbairn today.

“But I feel it’s the painful duty of those who feel disturbed to remain within the Church, because revival may come from within, not from without,” said Mr Fairbairn, who leaves Wellington for Auckland on Tuesday after 10} yean at St Johns’s. “It’s sad to think the Church of the living God should be so confused and giving the impression it doesn't know where it stands,” said Mr Fairbairn. "I believe people want a note of assurance and definiteness, and just when they need this note, a note of debunking or doubt about the historical fundamentals of our faith is sounded.” OTHER CHURCHES The bewilderment and confusion was not peculiar to the Presbyterian Church, al- ' thought it had the doubtful honour of being pointed out ; because of the utterances of i Professor Geering, he said. “If what Professor Geer- I lag says was held by the 1 Church when I was a stud- < ent, I doubt whether I should have been a minister,” said < Mr Fairbairn. 1

“The Presbyterian Church has always stood four-square by the great biblical doctrines handed down by our fathers, and recent decisions seem to indicate that the secular view of our faith was invading the

Church without any voices being raised against it” Mr Fairbairn will take up a full-time post with the British and Foreign Bible Society in Auckland.