SCOTTISH CHURCHES

Hokitika Guardian, 27 May 1929, Page 6

SCOTTISH CHURCHES

. ' UNION ACHIEVED. United Press Association—By Electric TelegPaph—Copyright). LONDON, Mny 25. After twenty years of harmonious negotiations, the Church of Scotland and. tlie United Free Church have agreed in enter into an ‘incorporating union. The final discussions will he held simultaneously between the two churches’ assemblies,, each consisting of mure'than one thousand members. Scenes, of fervent enthusiasm, have marked the meetings. 'The Duke ol York, as Lord. High ..Commissioner of the . Church of Scotland,” attended the Church of Scotland’s accompanied by the Duchess, and then listened to Doctor John White, the former .Moderator, submitting the resolution. He tie. hired that the union would realise 1.0 h . the dream of former genbra ti.ms and the vision of the present generation. The churches’ unchanged con iimt.v and identity would lie enriched by cumulative contributions of fin* sister church. The resolution was passed with three dissentients. Doctor Robert Drummond in sponsoring the resolution at the Free Church of Scotland Assembly, of which he was formerly Alodcrator, emphasised that this was the most momentous "ten since the Covenanting struggle. The resolution was passed with thirtynine dissentients, this being tho Smallest minority in the long negotiations. The Rev. Air Barr, the Labour Afemhcr of tho House of Commons, is the leader of the minority. He declared that he and his followers were going into the wilderness because the cause* of the separation had not been removed. Ho announced that the minority would carry on the United Free Church. The formal Act of the Union wa* fixed for October, when it is expected that the King and Queen will attend.