METHODIST SYNOD

Evening Star, Issue 24047, 20 November 1941, Page 13

METHODIST SYNOD

PUBLIC QUESTIONS DISCUSSED The sittings of the annual Synod of the Methodist Church of Otago and Southland were continued yesterday afternoon in the Trinity Church, when the reports of the Local Preachers’ Association, and the Men’s Fellowship were presented by Mr C. P. Roberts. The following resolution -was passed by the Synod:—“ That w r e give thanks to God for the very valued work of the Local Preachers’ Association during the past ' trying year. Wo congratulate them on the fine training scheme operated by the association, by which many young men are encouraged and equipped to staff an increasing number'of important appointments, and keep the Methodist services supplied in widely-scattered districts.” It was decided that a letter of congratulation and good wishes be sent to Mr Harrison, of Tuatapere, on the completion of 45 years of local preaching. The District Secretary of Church ■ Property in the Otago and Southland district, Mr .1. Mclndoe, presented the report for the year ended September 30, 1911. Facts and figures in the property returns disclosed that—Credit balances increased from £784 8a 4d to £1,128 14s Id, while debits decreased from £1,526 19s 9d to_ £1,271 16a 2d. Balances held for special purposes increased from £3,015 3s 7d to £3,586 15s 6d. . Mortgage debts decreased from £26,989 4s to £25,539 19s lid. Fire insurances had been increased from £99,625 to £102,100. The report was adopted. It was recommended that the Balclutha and Milton circuits be amalgamated, and that an adequate grant be made by the Home Mission Department to secure transport. There was considerable and lengthy discussion on tho amalgamation proposal before finatity was readied, speakers from both districts expressing their opinions in definite manner. For a time it appeared that the matter was beyond the power of the Synod, and reference to higher authority would be necessary, so that suitable action in the matter could be taken.

The report on public questions was presented by tho Rev. D. 0. Williams. and the sections on Bible in Schools, and Church Order were accepted. A discussion on conscientious objectors was taken in committee, and on the Synod resuming the report of tho Public Questions Committee on the matter of conscientious objectors was adopted. The section dealing with gambling and temperance, it was felt, did not stale the position sufficiently, and a

committee was formed to draw up alternative statements. It was decided that tho section dealing with New World Order be deleted from tho report. Rejected as impracticable, the public questions recommendation on prisons was referred to the committee appointed to draw up an alternative statement on gambling, with power to prepare a statement expressing the views of the Synod on iho question.