Council of Churches

Hutt News, Volume 19, Issue 20, 17 October 1945, Page 5

Council of Churches

HUTT VALLEY BRANCH

FORMED

A great writer has described the

co-operation evident among Chnstiai:

Churches to-day, as "the great new I'acL of the twentieth century." In

a world-wide sense this new move

merit has found expression in the We rid Council of Churches, with headquarters in Europe. In New

Zealand the National Council o

Churches has, during four years of existence given ample evidence of the desire and need for co-operation

of the Churches of this land in many

fields of activity

Gradually, local branches of the Council are being formed—these giving expression to and making real, a sense of unity among churches in

partcular areas

At a representative meeting held recently in Lower Hutt Methodist parlour, a branch of the National Council of Churches was formed to cover the Hutt Valley and Jiays area. It is to be known as the "Hutt Valley Branch of the National Council

of Churches," and is a body composed of both lay and clerical representatives of seven denominations, officially appointed by Church Courts within the area. Mr. E. H. Langford, of Eastbourne, was unanimously appointed as chairman, with Rev. K. H. Evans as vice chairman; Mr. N. H. Rows is treasurer, and Rev. A. D. Lowe secretary.

The Council's aims are threefold. (a) to act in local matters for the N.Z. National Council of Churches; (b) to foster the spirit of unity among the participating churches; and (c) to provide opportunity for common action in matters of interest to the participating churches.

Already several matters of importance have been referred to the Council for- consideration and. action. These included the financing of the N.Z. National Council, Industrial, Chaplaincy, Religious Education in public schools, and the convening of an inter-church Youth Committee. A decision was reached at the first meeting to convene at a suitable date

public gatherings for the purpose of reporting the recent Christian Order Conference held in Christchurch. This Conference was convened Jby the National Council of Churches, and consisted of 200 delegates from the eight consistuent churches. It discussed the relevance of the Christian message to land, industry and commerce, education, Maori and community problems. Its decisions were far-reaching, and these will be reported in public gatherings and church meetings, as well as in popular and full reports to be published 'within a few weeks.