PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22261, 8 November 1935, Page 14

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

DECISIONS OF ASSEMBLY NEW STATEMENT OF FAITH ADOPTED BY LARGE MAJORITY [>V TELEGRAPH —PRESS ASSOCIATION] WELLINGTON, Thursday Tho debate 011 the "Short Statement" of the Presbyterian Faith, which ivas begun at tho General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church yesterday, was concluded to-day, whan the document was accepted by an overwhelming majority. Tho "Short Statement" in an effort to express tho faith of the Church in documentary form. In view of the fact that tho Westminuter Confession of Faith was drawn up 300 years ago, and that thought has moved forward, a short statement was issued by the Church of Scotland to meet the new situation. The New Zealand Church sent, the statement to various presbyteries for their consideration, and 18 out of 19 gave their approval. Chief criticism of the statement came from those who emphasised tho infallibility of the Bible, and from the Wanganui Presbytery, where' the point at issue was that the statement presented tho view* that Christ's work accomplished nothing as far as God was concerned, but was merely the revelation off God with tho purpose of changing men. Defenders of tho statement pleaded for a comprehensive document which would meet many divergent views , as long as those views were consistent with historical Christianity, and it was contended that some of the objections raised were based 011 misunderstanding. It also was pointed out that the statement was in no son so binding, but it was commended to the attention of tho Church for its guidance. The Bev. Dr. .T. Dickie was reappointed for a further term as principal of tho Theological College, Dunedin, in which capacity ho has served for tho last seven years. A minute expressing appreciation of his character and work was passed. Full discussion took place last night on two sections of tho report of tho public questions committee respecting a proposal that tho Presbyterian Church should unit© with other Churches in making an urgent and united appeal to the nations of tho world to stand by their obligations under the League of Nations and tho Pact of Paris, and secondly, that tho controlling authorities in church I schools should bo informed that the assembly did not approve of military training in Presbyterian Church schools, and desired to for some other type of disciplinary trflining. By a majority vote both clauses were adopted.