BAPTIST DISPUTE

New Zealand Herald, Volume 81, Issue 25046, 9 November 1944, Page 6

BAPTIST DISPUTE

TABERNACLE CHURCH

LONG PRIVATE DISCUSSION (PA.) CHHIBTCHURCH, Wetlnmday The Baptist Union Assembly spent all day today discussing in camera the suspension from the ministry of Dr Alexander Hodge, of the Tabernacle Church, Auckland. The sessions began at 9 a.m., official delegates being checked into the meetings by scrutineers. With intervals for lunch and dinner, the assembly sat until 10.30 p.m., and at that stage was still in camera. It is reported that Dr Hodge left for the north this evening. The only statement issued by the assembly stated: "Reference was made in the Baptist Union Assembly to a report in the newspapers of certain remarks by the Rev. L. A. North in support of a resolution that tlio assembly go into committee when matters concerning the suspension of Dr Alexander Hodge and the secession of the Tabernacle Church from the union should come up for discussion. The phrase 'matters of a domestic nature' and reference to 'family troubles' wore intended and understood in a figurative sense, but they were unfortunately ambiguous and appear to have caused a false impression in some quarters. "During Wednesday's sessions it was made clear that there is no ground whatever for any suggestion of domestic or family trouble in Dr Hodge's home. At Wednesday's meeting Dr Hodge was assured by Mr North that neither 111 his mind nor in the mind of the assembly was there any thought of referring to the family circumstances of Dr Hodge, or any other. The use of the word 'domestic' and similar expressions referred solely to relationships and responsibilities of churches in the Baptist Union of New Zealand." The discussion in camera will continue tomorrow.