BAPTIST UNION

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 22, 20 October 1917, Page 7

BAPTIST UNION

CLOSING EXECUTIVE MEETING

SYMPATHY WITH WAR SUFFERERS

The executive of the Baptist Union resumed its business yesterday morning, when missionary affairs were first dealt with and various matters of importance were considered. Mr. A. F. Carey, on behalf of Mr. R, o. Abel, presented <he report of the anBiiity fund. It showed receipts for the year J2508 12e. 3d.; expenditure, £50 lib. Is. The investment account vow stood at Us. 6d., an" increase of £13i ss. 2d. for the year. It would be the aim of the treasurer to add .£SOO during tho ensuing year. Regret was. expressed that so lew of the ministers availed themselves of the benefits of the fund. Bowen James, Reuben Bailey and C. D. Gardiner were received into the ministerial membership of the union; also Messrs. JtacJlattieandßusfield , who had completed their course of study ae presented by the Students' Committee. The Eev. W. A. Boilings, convener of the Students' Committee, presented the annual report. It stated that four of the students, Messrs. A. Stuart, F. A. Parry, Arthur Hoare, and Harold Goring, were away under the colours. Messrs. E. Chard and E. Goring had pursued their studies at Knox College'throughout the year with satisfactory results. Messrs. O. MacHaltie and L. B. Busfield had passed the examinations prescribed under the Home Mission course, and were recommended for ministerial recognition. The Hev. John Laird, one of tile examiners, was complimented on securing his B.A. degree during the year. Thanks were accorded to Revs. S. Jenkin, J. Laird, 8.A., R.. H. K. Kenipton, W. Lambert, W. H. Hinton, J. F. Jones, 8.D., and C. H. Mann for aid as supervisors or examiners. The report Was adopted.

Mr. A. S. Adams and Eev. R, S. Gray were requested to inquire into the question of the incorporation of the union and report at the next conference.

A deputation was appointed to interview Sir James Allen to assure him of the union's desire to -oe the war carried on to a victorious issue, and its concern for tho position of the conscientous objector. ; It was moved by the Revs. J. J. North 'and R. S. Gray, and it was carried:

"That the Baptist Union of New Zealand, while recognising the devotion and sacrifice of two of the churches of tho Dominion in establishing* primary Kehools, cniinot view this development in the educational outlook without anxiety. Since the maintenance- of tho national system in full strength seems to be. essential to efficiency and to national, well-being, the union urges on the Government and on (he nation the absolute necessity of maintaining, the, unequivocal refusal recently expressed by the Minister-of Education of all grant's in aid to sectarian schools, however admirable the schools may bo in themselves." It was also unanimously adopted, "that this union joins with all teachers' institutes and education boards.of the Dominion in emphatic protest against tho suggested'exemption of Jlnrist teachers .from tho sacrifices in which State teachers arc involved. The union repudiates the ide« that (ho private views imposed by a Church should be used to shield tluwi men from their obligation to the State. Tho union desires no persecution, and recognises the devotion of ihoso teachers, but seeks equity in the interests of everyone." ' Mr. H. H. Driver moved, end it waa unanimously adoptcd:-"(D That this executive of (ha Baptist Union of New Zealand desires to express afresh its admiration of the loyalty and valour displayed by the young men of our churches and of the famiiles associated with ou.r churches in their readiness to defend Iho liberties and rights, of the Empire against tho aggressiveness of a mighty and a merciless enemy. (2) That we exprefs our warmest sympathy with the men who have suffered injury through the war, [

and pray that they may be sustained and comiorted in their pain and disablement, and, if it be the will of God, may'bo reinstated in health and fitness for remunerative employment. (3) That we express our affectionate condolence with the bereaved and broken-hearted in the heavy losses they have been called upon to' bear through this prolonged and desolating war, and commend them to the pity and comfort of the Father- of all mercies. , (i) That we urge our people to pray unceasingly and earnestly that victory may speedily crown the warfare of Britain and the Allied jialions, and that the peace of God may soon return to the distracted earth."

It was resolved that a, message of greeting be sent to the Baptists of Russia, coupled with the hope that the Hevolution will help to secure for them a larger measure of civil and religious liberty.

It was agreed that .£2O be remitted to Chaplain T. A. Williams to assist him in his work among the soldiers at Hoiiichurch.

Various resolutions of sympathy were passed, and tho session was closed by brief remarks by the vice-president and prayer led by Mr. J. C. Garlick and Rev. A. North.