WOMEN MINISTERS

Hawera Star, Volume L, 24 February 1931, Page 9

WOMEN MINISTERS

POWER UNDER MARRIAGE LAW PROPOSAL OF METHODISTS CONFERENCE RECOMMENDATION. (By Telegraph—Press Association.) DUNEDIN, Feb. 24. The Methodist Conference this morning agreed at tlie request of Archbishop Averill to co-operate in a day of prayer on March 8 asking for guidance of those dealing with unemployment problems. , A keen discussion took place on the question as to whether women h° n "| e missionaries should be registered under the Marriage Act. The Rev. S. Lowrev moved that the conference take steps 'to induce Parliament to make the necessary alteration of the Ma - nage Act so that it might be possible forewomen home missionaries to be recognised as officiating ministens. . There was wide difference, of opinion. The Rev. G. Frost moved an amendment that the privilege be not granted till the Church had decided the question as to whether it was expedient, lawful and advisable to admit women to a holv ministery. The amendment was lost by 86 votes to 59 and the motion was carried. A recommendation requesting the conference to appoint a commaslon on the subiect of church membership and other reflated matters for all penods from infancy to adult life, with a view to improvement upon present theory and practice in each grade and especially to emphasise the value of church membership in childhood both to child find* church, w*<is