CONGREGATIONAL UNION.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LX, Issue 18348, 14 March 1923, Page 10

CONGREGATIONAL UNION.

RELATION TO OTHER BODIES.

CLOSER FELLOWSHIP DESIRED.

The annual meeting of the New Zealand Congregational Union was continued yesterday, the Rev. T. Wilson Potts, chairman of the union, presiding. The following resolution on the subject of Church union was adopted:—"That this council views with lively satisfaction the various efforts that are being made to bring the scattered Christian communions into closer fellowship, and urges our ministers and people to do their utmost to further these efforts: First, by using every opportunity of co-opera-tion with all other Christians in worship and in work. Secondly, by earnest prayerful study of the question of the unity of all Christians in Jesus Christ. Thirdly, we suggest that the Lambeth proposals on union mark an effort in the history of Christianity and indicate the lines on which we may move with the view of realising a Church which will be broad enough and expansive enough to include all the different communions with their varied contributions to the life and thought of Christianity, and a Church that will be truly catholic." A deputation from the Auckland Council of the New Zealand Alliance sought the co-operation of the Church in attaining prohibition, and especially of furthering the work among the young people. The chairman assured the deputation of the sympathy of the union in the objects of the alliance. A notice of motion proposing the formation of a church welfare committee to meet in Wellington and Christchurch, and a letter from the Waitomo Prohibition League regarding no-license in the King Country were referred to the Reference Committee. In the afternoon a meeting of ladies, at which Mrs. Wilson presided, was held in the Mount Eden schoolroom in connection with the London Missionary Society's work. The union met as a finance committee, to which the treasurer, Mr. F. Meadowcroft, presented a favourable balance-sheet. Grants for a number of churches were passed, and a special grant of £50 was made to the Congregational Young Men's League. In the evening a public meeting was held in the Beresfbrd Street Church: The Mayor, Mr. J. H. Cunson, who presided over a large attendance, welcomed the delegates in warm terms, and referred to the position occupied by religion in the life and work of the city, particularly the influence of the churches on civic activities. The Rev. H. J. Huffadine delivered an address on "Congregationalism and Modern Civic Life," in which he traced the history of Congregationalism and its. influence on the community. The great concern of Congregationalism was the making of men, and by means of regenerated men to reform society—the making of a new earth wherein righteousness should dwell. An address on "Congregationalism- arid Individual Freedom in Civic Life" was given by the Rev. Frank de Lisle.