SHOULD MINISTERS ENLIST?

Feilding Star, Volume XII, Issue 2888, 7 March 1916, Page 3

SHOULD MINISTERS ENLIST?

DISCUSSED BY THE METHODIST CONFERENCE.

Auckland, March 6. The tptestion as to whether ministers should volunteer as combatants was discussed by tho Methodist Conference, on a motion by Mr Roseve-ir: "That as from the ministry, theological colleges and homo mission field so large a number of men havo enlisted in the forces, tho Church is unable to cope with the present urgent requirements, in the judgment of the Conference our Church has contributed from these sources every man it can possibly spare," A number of delegates opposed the motion. The Rev. C. Bond said that while he deplored the large number of men who had gone from the ministry, he would not raise a finger to stop anyone from going who felt that he should. Tho Rev. S. Lawry said that like some business people the Methodist Church might say, "Wo cannot carry on our business if you take away our men." On the other hand, he, too, felt if would bo a strong thing fo say to a minister, "You cannot go unless you resign." It was unanimously decided that the motion should not be put to the Conference,