CHURCH UNION

New Zealand Times, Volume XLIV, Issue 10210, 21 February 1919, Page 5

CHURCH UNION

GENERAL ASSEMBLY DEBATE.

Press Association. • CHRISTCHTJRCH, February 20. The question of the proposed union with the New Zealand Methodist and Congregational Churches, came before the Presbyterian General Assembly tonight. Overtures on the matter were forwarded from most of the presbyteries. . The Rev. Dr. J. Gibb (Wellington) moved: That the Assembly adopts the overture, and in order to give effect to its suggestions, further resolves:— (1) To ascertain the mind of the Church on the question of union with the Methodist r.nd Congregational Churches by submitting it to the presbyteries, kirk sessions and congregations for their consideration and report to next Assembly; (2) to facilitate the inquiry, appoint a central committee with)"'a' branch", committee in every presbytery,' upon whom "shall rest the responsibility of giving effect for the Assembly's instructions, the branch committee to report to the central committee not later than September 30th. In adopting this resolution the General Assembly now declares that whatever b& the immediate- or ultimate issue of these proceedings, no union shall be consummated until Parliament has passed thf> legislation necessary to conserve to the united church its property now hold by the Presbyterian, Methodist and Congregational Churches of New Zealand respectively. Dr. Gibb urged the Assembly to go forward with caution, yet resolutely and fearlessly. The Rev. Isaac Jolly seconded the motion. He said ho believed that in New Zealand they were ready for union on the lines on which it had taken place in Canada. Dr. Kennedy Elliott said he questioned whether there was a widespread desire amongst Church members for Church union, and he suggested that some of the overtures that had been received had been prompted by Dr. Gibb. He (Dr. Elliott) auvocated federation and moved: Whereas in our judgment there is no desire on the part of the great bulk of the membership of our Church for union, and unless tho membership of our Church cordially Jmd, indeed, enthusiastically entertain it, corporate union would not advanco the interests of tho Kingdom of God, it is hereby resolved that tho present time is' not opportuno for a definite movement for incorporate union, but as it is alleged there is a strong demand on the part of the evangelical Churches for closer co-operation in social and other questions, and as there is undoubtedly waste- of energy and strength by overlapping in tho smaller centres, that a committee bo appointed to ascertain to what extent tho demand may bo met by a federation of tho Churches to report to next Assembly. The debate was adjourned till next day.