CHURCHMEN ALARMED.

Manawatu Times, Volume LXV, Issue 1866, 10 March 1913, Page 5

CHURCHMEN ALARMED.

DOCTRINAL DIFFERENCES.

WHAT WOULD WESLEY SAY?

Press Assn—By Telegraph—Copyright Sydney, March 8.

In his retiring address Rev. Meek, ex-president of the Methodist conference, dealt with the question of fixed creeds and freedom of thought. He urged the necessity for tolerance in the matter of theological thinking, and keeping abreast of the best intellectual life and knowledge of the age. He declared tnat could Wesley appear to-day, one of the first things he would take in hand would be the complete adjustment of Methodism and present conditions and knowledge.

Rev. Meek's utterances have led to much heart-burning and press correspondence. The conference last night discussed the matter iu a lengthy, earnest, and sometimes warm debate. While agreeing with Rev. Meek on the necessity of freedom in thinking, the need of progress, and expressing confidence in the soundness of Mr Meek's fundamental faith and doctrines, some speakers were of opinion that his pronouncement, being of an official character, might take the direction of shaking the faith and loyalty of the Christian community. Eventually a resolution was tarried drawing attention to the fact that Rev. Meek had expressed and voiced his own opinions, and not those of the church; and that the Methodist conference is profoundly convinced that the doctrinal standards of our church are in harmony with the revealed word of God.

Prior to the carrying of the resolution, Rev. Meek said that it was his message to the church, and he was going to stand by it. He was astonished that so many intelligent men should have misrepresented him as he had been misrepresented during the debate.

The president assured Mr Meek of the personal love and confidence of the members of the conference.