PRESBYTERIAN ASSEMBLY

Greymouth Evening Star, 7 November 1944, Page 4

PRESBYTERIAN ASSEMBLY

CHURCH UNION PROPOSAL. HASTINGS, November 7. Progress in the movement towards a union between the Presbyterian, Methodist and Congregational Churches of New Zealand was reported to the Presbyterian Assembly. Sponsoring the report, Rev. J. M. Bates (Wellington) said the proposed basis of union had been revised by a committee .of church representatives and was now brought before the Assembly for consideration. “It is going to be a long road, and in order that everything may be done decently and in order, we must take our steps carefully,” said Mr. Bates. “But there is evidence to show that the move towards unity among churches is typical of the predominant mood of our time.” Mr. Bates pointed out that in China and in other mission fields there was a feeling towards unity, not because of lack of loyalty to their own churches, but through the growing realisation of their oneness in Christ. In our own country the rank and file of the people demand greater working together among various churches. Rev. F. B. Barton (Mataura) considered .the committee should not again irritate people by again asking for consideration of a detailed basis of union, but should expend its efforts in informing the Church and its people on matters of union. He moved an amendment that the Assembly simply give generous approval to the revised basis rather than send the basis to Presbyteries and sessions for consideration.

Supporting the amendment, Rev. F. W. Winton (Christchurch) said he believed Church people were not yet ready for union however much some Church leaders might desire it. After further discussion it was decided to approve the revised basis of the union for submission to the Presbyteries for consideration and report.