BRITISH ISRAELISM

Evening Post, Volume CXIX, Issue 95, 23 April 1935, Page 16

BRITISH ISRAELISM

CONFERENCE PROCEEDINGS

GROWTH OF MOVEMENT

The annual conference of the British Israel World Federation (New Zealand branch)) concluded last evening.

The following report was received from the public questions committee:—

"The British Israel World Federation is a body whose members are persuaded that Christian faith can and must find an expression in everyday affairs. They are eager to take part in spiritual communion with God, both in public and in private deVotions, but the inspiration drawn from this source impels them to have urgently at heart the sorrows and inequalities which they see in the social and economic order In the Bible they find a practical guide for the conduct of men in their social, economic, and political life, and in international affairs. They recognise that our economic inequalities are due' to men ignoring this guidance in their economic system. It is their duty and constant aim to bring before all classes of people the fact that j the spiritual rule of love can find a' practical expression in every phase of life. Thus ruthless competition, fear, and distrust must give way to kindly sharing and co-operation, the strong helping the weak, before the world can escape from the present chaos.'Further, the Biblical law prohibiting usury or interest must be obeyed, and the whole system of loans and security must conform to the Biblical direction of free lending and forgiveness of debts." ' CONFERENCE DECISIONS'. A cablegram was dispatched to the World' Federation headquarters, London, congratulating them on their success in organising a mass meeting to be held in the Royal Albert Hall, to which representatives of all patriotic and kindred societies have been invited. The meeting has been called to urge a closer welding of the AngloSaxon people in an endeavour to assist in securing world peace, and to raise the economic position of the world. It was decided to send a message of welcome to the Governor-General (Lord Galway). The question of the ministerial asso-. ciation was examined, and reports showed that membership was on the increase. The growth of the movement in the last year had proved so great that it had become necessary to declare provincial areas in the Dominion in order that there may be a centralisation of, work in each province. There were over 100 groups in existence, and these, it was reported, were spreading. In connection with the probable visit to New Zealand of the Rev. Dr. Fascoe Goard; head of the British Israel College, London, it was reported that offers of financial assistance had been received from Australia. The conference confirmed the appointment ,of a New Zealand branch delegate resident in London, and also his appointment to the World tion Council. This will give New Zealand direct representation on the world controlling body. Interesting information was supplied concerning the spread of the movement in Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Belgium, and other European countries. It was reported that inquiries had been received from Moslem countries, and that the movement had spread to the major portions of the world, there being but three countries—Russia, Mexico, and Yugoslavia—where the teaching of the movement had not been propagated. RESOLUTIONS CARRIED. Resolutions carried by congress included the following:— ! "That the New Zealand branch of the Britjsh-Israel ' World Federation wishes it to be clearly understood that it will ,be in no wise responsible for any statements made from the public platform or in the Press by any person or persons other than those officially appointed or authorised by its New Zealand executive." "Congress declares its definite intention, in [conjunction •vtoth the branches of the federation throughout the world, to discountenance the formation under any circumstances of a" separate Bri-tish-Israel Church. ■It believes that British-Israel truth is too wide and allembracing to be bound within the confines of any sect, that it will ultimately permeate all branches of the Christian Church and find its .complete expressibn in a union of all branches of that church into one great church ■of God, and that any lesser' objective is unworthy of British-Israel truth. This congress, therefore, appeals to members to retain with zeal and vigour their connection with their particular church." A resolution on unemployment stated, inter alia: ' "Congress pledges itself and calls ( upon every Christian person to join with it in uniting with every, organisation which has for its purpose the replacement of our present unsatisfactory laws by laws based upon the scriptural standard of .equity and righteousness, as expressed in the Divine charge, 'Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.'"

In a resolution on the peace of the world it was declared that "world peace can only follow the nations' complete return to God."

Additions were made to the administrative portions of the constitution. To avoid confusion with similar organisations, the name has been changed to "British-Israel World Federation (N.Z. branch)." The increase-of the work in New Zealand has necessitated an increase in headquarters accommodation and staff. A' new provincial headquarters office has been established in Queen Street, Auckland, to cope with the increasing inquiries by the public. A lecture was given by Mr. C. W; Clift, Dominion president, and a rededication service was conducted by the minister attending the congress.

Major-General Sir Andrew Russell was re-elected patron, Mr. Herbert Garrison and Dr; Pascoe Qoard, London, and Mr. L. Wright, "Wanganui, vice-presidents. The other retiring officers were re-elected, v