CHURCH UNION

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 32220, 12 February 1970, Page 10

CHURCH UNION

J Presbyterian | t! View i The proposed plan for e church union among the five i- negotiating churches in New ej Zealand should be approached t in an atmosphere of giving to •- the future and not with the 1 attitude of each church e clutching for itself, the Moderate)' of the Christchurch Presbytery (the Rev. E. H. Z. Chapman) said at a meeting of the presbytery on Tuesday evening. “We have in our hands the opportunity to give to the Church our treasures and free it from some of the \ [things that restrict it in the 'lpresent world," he said. “We 1 I must make a contribution ” I that the next century will , (thank us for.” , The plan, which has been ? 'prepared by the Joint Com- * mission on Church Union, ’ will be discussed by mem bers of the presbytery at the ■ monthly meetings during the ■ next six months. Next month the nature and [purpose of the Church, the i J name and membership, rela i tions with other churches, i- loverseas responsibilities and e[ Maori participation will be it discussed. In April, mem 1 bers will look at the faith s of the Church and in May t. worship and related matter? - will be dealt with. The government of the Church will be discussed in June and financial. legal and property matters in July. In August a draft reply will be prepared for presentation to the Presbyterian General Assembly. Mr Chapman said that the [discussions should not be for [or against church union. This ;had already been decided 'The purpose of debate was whether the presbytery felt I that the plan formed an adequate and sufficient basis on 'which the churches could unite.