METHODIST CHURCH

Evening Post, Volume CVIII, Issue 119, 15 November 1929, Page 6

METHODIST CHURCH

DISTRICT SYNOD THE BIBLE IN-SCHOOLS • " The sittings of the Wellington i3is trict Annual Synod of the Methodist Church Continued yesterday. Mr. J. W. Gibson, of Levin, was con gratulated upon completing 50 years' service in Sunday school work, This year he will receive from England a diploma of honour, in recognition of his.long service. . The synod approved of the establishment of a Central Young People's Office in Wellington in 1931, and the removal of the Y.P. Board to Wellington, which, besides being geographically central, is the strongest youth centre in, tho Dominion: . • Tho following resolution was adopted: "This synod having noted the work flonei .in Trinity Theological Collego and Hostel places on record its grateful appreciation tot the samp. It is pleased to know that so much progress,has been made.by the students in relation to university studies and status, in the development of their fitness for the more practical side of ministerial life. It recognises the Church's great ■ indebtedness to the ministers who have assisted by lectures and tuition, especially the principal for his able, sustainedj and zealous efforts during the year, both for the benefit of our students and,the new college scheme." Miss Jennie Street, representative of the British Sunday School Union and the Christian Endeavour Union in tho Old Country, presented her greetings to the Methodist Synod this morning, and addressed the gathering on the spiritual benefits of the Christian Endeavour movement. Miss Street was warmly received; and: heartily thanked for heraddress..' •' • .: ■■•-}-.''

>v- Eegarding the Bible in Schools question, the following resolution was passed -^-"That the synod reaffirm ' the supreme "urgency of the question of religious education as effected by the State educational policy of New Zealand. While rejoicing in the knowledge of the inapplicability of an entirely secular system, wherever Christian teachers are in charge, it regrets to find the Government so inactive in removing the secular blot from-the system. The synpd.^reaffirms its allegiance to the Beligious Exercises in Schools Bill, and calls on all adherents to exercise the Parliamentary franchise with special consideration of the urgency of this measure.''

Another resolution adopted was "We .urge our churches to give increased attention to temperance work by form-ing-Bands of Hope, Women's Christian Temperance Unions, Young People's Temperance Legions, encouraging the youth: movement against alcohol, using educational charts and distributing suitable literature, showing the evils attending tho use of alcohol and the ravages wrought by the liquor trade; or by using any other means which they may deem wise."