TOO MANY DIVORCES

Northern Advocate, 10 November 1934, Page 11

TOO MANY DIVORCES

PRESBYTERY CONCERNED. [Per Press Association.—Copyright] j DUNEDIN, This Day. | Concern at the number of divorces I in New Zealand was voiced at the Presbyterian Assembly yesterday. The matter of the remarriage of divorced persons also was discussed. The Rev. J. D. Smith, Kaikorai, said many divorces were granted under desertion or separation clauses. There was an alarming increase also in remarriages of divorced people. Ministers were often in a quandary concerning such remarriages. The Presbyterian doctrine contemplated marriage only between professing Christians. Mr Smith urged that Ministers should carefully instruct their young people in the principles of marriage. He urged the preparation of a pamphlet on the matter, which might be used by ministers. The Rev. J. Allan (Christchurch) said it was not unknown that both parties to a divorce were remarried in different Presbyterian churches. Ministers were in an invidious position when asked to remarry a divorced person. A clear statement on the matter was needed, because the ministry was placed in an impossible position in the decision whether to marry divorced persons or not. The Rev. J. Paterson urged that a divorced party sought to make a second honourable start in marriage, and the church should not withhold its blessing. It was pointed out that in 1921 the assembly made a pronouncement along the lines of Mr Paterson’s contention. 'The discussion showed a doubt in the minds of members of the assembly, and it was finally decided to appoint a committee on marriage and j divorce.