METHODIST UNION.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLIX, Issue 14930, 1 March 1912, Page 9

METHODIST UNION.

THE CHANGE WITHIN SIGHT. .. CONSUMMATION NEXT YEAR.. The important question of church union was referred to by the ' Rev. G. W. J. Spence,; retiring president , of the New [ Zealand Methodist Conference at the opening session last night-. He mentioned the fact that the \ legislation .i necessary to sesecure an independent conference for New Zealand ■ had been obtained in all the Australian State Parliaments (except in that of' West Australia, 1 where a change ;of Government had occasioned a short delay) as well as in New Zealand, so that the long-sought change was how within sight, and would be effected next year. With the severance of the legal tie which bound New Zealand Methodists to their brethren - across the Tasman Sea, there would come to the former larger freedom of action, accompanied, of course, by larger responsibilities. Untrammelled by outside policy, they, would he at liberty to work out their own destiny, and to develop their own type of Methodism. '■'•" One of the first steps likely to be taken under the new order," said Mr. Spence, ''is the unification of Methodism in the Dominion. Last June, history was made in this direction. As you are aware, a large and influential committee was set up last conference to meet a similar committee representing .the Primitive ' Methodist Church for, the purpose •of drawing up a basis ,of union which might meet with the approval of bothY Churches. ■'■■-." It was ■ a remarkable council; remarkable not only on acount of the important issues discussed, but because of the. fine ■ spirit which pervadued the discusion, and the singular unanimity with which the end was reached. In the end, the proposed basis found no more. cordial (supporters than in some of those who, at the beginning, meant to defeat the whole scheme. "It is gratifying to learn that, after a,' lengthy debate in the Primitive Methodist Conference held -in Christchurch last . month, the basis, as, framed by the. joint ' committee was, by a unanimous resolu- * tion, endorsed without , amendment. .In due course this conference, will have an opportunity: of discussing the basis, and should it "be favourably received I ; most confidently believe it willlittle will ■ then stand in the way of the consummation of the union of the two bodies, possibly as soon as next year. ■■■:■■■':' : . .*' " Noble work has been done ,in this ■ country by a divided Methodism," , con- ] fined the speaker. • "Docs not the contemplated step, if taken in the right spirit, promise still greater achievement for the i future? The Churches interested ; are, to , a great extent, one in tradition ; they are , absolutely one in doctrine ; and, under the | proposed constitution, they will bo one in polity. ,;: ; ,' ■ ■ • ", }' : ' '":':. , , "This being so, the united body should | present a strong front to the manifold ( evils which at this. moment afflict the ] moral and. social order. Meantime, let \ ministers and people belonging to both j sections .cultivate the fraternal spirit* to ] the utmost,; and thus prepare the way for a union which will; be marked from , the outset by such unreserved confidence ( as fihall ensure the fullest measure of < spiritual prosperity." ;* <