Presbyterian Statement On Basic Beliefs

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31832, 9 November 1968, Page 19

Presbyterian Statement On Basic Beliefs

(N.Z. Press Association) AUCKLAND, Nov. 7. The Presbyterian Church of New Zealand has decided what its basic beliefs are, after two years of argument, disagreement and uncertainty.

The church’s general assembly, meeting in Auckland, decided to accept a

statement of fundamental doctrines, to replace two major motions on doctrine. There was standing room only in the public gallery at St David's Church, Khyber Pass Road, as agreement was reached.

The statement adopted by the assembly replaced a petition from the Wellington Presbytery (initiated by the laymen’s association), and an overture from the South Auckland Presbytery. Sub-headings to the main statement made the following points:—

The Bible is the “supreme rule of faith and duty, and is the supreme standard of this church.” God raised Christ from the dead “in triumph over sin and death to reign with the Father as sovereign over all.” Christ is “alive for evermore as the active personal head of His church.” “. . . beyond death God will raise the Christian to eternal life in direct and unshadowed fellowship with Himself and His people." Full Statement

The full statement had been passed by the Assembly on Thursday. A sessional committee of Assembly representatives was set up to look into the question of doctrine and report back. The committee decided the best course would be to adopt the statement of fundamental doctrines. It will now be sent to Presbyteries and church sessions for their consideration, after which they will report to the church’s doctrine committee — the committee which drew up the statement in the first place. Presenting the sessional committee's report and recom-

mendations, the convenor, the Rev. G. F. McKenzie, said the committee had wanted to give an unambiguous assurance to the church, and a ground of reference for those who took ordination vows, without putting freedom of thought and conscience in a straitjacket.