UNION OF CHURCHES.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLVI, Issue 173, 23 June 1926, Page 4

UNION OF CHURCHES.

Per Press Association. AUCKLAND, June 21. The “Nonconformist Bishop of England,” Rev. J. D. Jones, M.A., D.D., of Bournemouth, a distinguished church leader and advocate of the union of the churches, arrived in Auckland this morning by the Niagara. Interviewed on his arrival Dr. Jones said the prime object of his journey was a rest cure, though an opportunity had arisen to fill a pulpit in Melbourne for three months. Speaking of church matters at Home, Dr. Jones said that he was one of seven loading Nonconformists who conferred with bishops on the question of union, but an impasse was reached owing to the Anglican demand for reordination, a condition not acceptable to Nonconformists. The trend towards union was emphasised by the fact that Dr. Jones had preached in Canterbury and Liverpood Cathedrals this year, while the Dean of Canterbury and the Bishop of Liverpool had preached at his own church at Bournemouth. Such a possibility would have been scorned twenty or even ten years ago. Dr. Jones, who is interested in sport and particularly cricket, is accompanied by his daughter, a commissioner of the Girl Guides. Travelling with her is a friend, Miss Pitman, who is going to Australia as trainer in the samo movement.