MINISTERS’ BRIDES

Hawera Star, Volume LIII, 27 September 1933, Page 7

MINISTERS’ BRIDES

• <p — METHODIST PLAN REJECTED. QUESTION OF SUITABILITY. An unusual recommendation, concerning the fiancees of candidates for the ministry, was made at the first conference of the Methodist Church at the Central Hall, Westminster, London, last month, by Dr. J. .11 Rtison, general secretary of the Ministerial Training Committee. Dr. Ititson said that the committee desired to make the following addendum : “If any candidate has entered into a matrimonial engagement, the superintendent (of the circuit) shall furnish a. written statement as to the suitability of his fiancee.” Following the outburst of surprise which the recommendation called forth. Dr. R.itsou observed: “Some delegate called out ‘No.’ It sounded as if he would he afraid to do this.” A delegate-: Does “suitability” mean suitable as a minister’s wife or suitable to be married to the candidate:-' Dr. Ritson: Suitable as a minister’s wife. Dr. Hinsdale T. Young: I did not gather who was to be the judge ot the ' suitability. i Some of the delegates continued to he excited and amused at the proposal, and the president (the Rev. Luke Wiseman) observed sharply, “If is not a matter to he lightly treated, The committee has made a serious proposition, and I hope the conference will treat it. seriously. If you do not like it you will have an opportunity of expressing your dislike, but take the ordinary way of doing it.” The proposal, on a show of han js, was defeated, and declared to be “not approved. -