METHODIST CONFERENCE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20807, 25 February 1931, Page 12

METHODIST CONFERENCE.

WOMEN AND MARRIAGE ACT.

PROPOSAL FOR AMENDMENT.

[By telegraph.—press, association.} ■' ' ' DUXEDIN, Tuesday.

The Methodist Conference this morning' agreed, at the request of Archbishop Averill, to co-operate in the day of prayer on March 8 in asking for the guidance of those dealing with unemployment problems. A keen discussion took .place on the question whether women . home missionaries should be registered under the Marriage Act. The Rev. S. Lawry moved that the conference take steps to induce Parliament to make the necessary alteration to the Marriage Act, so that it might be possible for women home missionaries to be recognised as officiating ministers. There was a wide difference of opinion. The Rev. T.' Frost moved an amendment that the privilege be not granted until the Church had decided the question whether it was expedient, lawful or advisable to admit women to the holy ministry. The amendment was lost by 86 votes to 59. The motion was carried. A recommendation was adopted requesting the conference to appoint a commission on .the subject of Church membership and other related matters for all periods from infancy to adult life, with a view to- an improvement -upon the present theory and practice in each grade, and specially to emphasise, the value of Church membership in childhood, both to the child and the Church.