CHRISTIAN UNITY

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 22976, 2 March 1938, Page 14

CHRISTIAN UNITY

MOVEMENT IN ENGLAND ANGLICAN MEN'S SUPPORT That all steps toward the reunion of Christendom must be directed bv the highest possible motive, the fulfilment of Christ's prayer "Grant that they may be one," was emphasised at a meeting of the Auckland Diocesan Churchmen's Association in St. Matthew's Hall last night. Archbishop Averill presided over a large attendance of members who, prior to the business meeting, held their association service in the church. The Rev. E. E. Bamforc, subwarden of St. John's College, said that copies of the full report on the latest reunion conference in England were still being awaited and, until they were received, it was impossible to say how difficulties which had led to the breakdown of the previous conference had been overcome. Mr. L. A. D. Williamson said that the only approach to the question was whether reunion was the will of God. Reunion based upon expediency would produce worse evils than now obtained. Archbishop Averill said it was clearly Christ's intention and prayer that there should bo one body, and disunion was disloyalty to Him. Unity had to come and it would come when men were prepared to seek the will of God and do it. Federation was not unity. His Grace emphasised that union did not mean casting all people into the one mould and making them conform to the one type of service. That could not be done. While there would be the same diversity of services as now there would be real union under the banner of Christ. After various speakers had asked questions or expressed points of view, the following resolution, to be transmitted to the Archbishop of York, who has taken a lead in the reunion movement, was carried unanimously:— "This meeting of the Auckland Diocesan Churchmen's Association is deeply interested in' the reunion of Christendom and has read with keen sympathy the attempt which is being made in England to take a further step toward the realisation of the high priestly prayer of our Blessed Lord, 'Grant that they may be one,' It rejoices in the knowledge that the Lambeth appeal of 1920 is steadily bearing fruit, and the members hope and pray that its great vision may bo translated into action."