UNION OF CHURCHES

New Zealand Times, Volume XLVI, Issue 10542, 19 March 1920, Page 5

UNION OF CHURCHES

PRACTICAL STEPS TAKEN INSPIRING DEBATE ON IMPORTANT PROPOSAL. Brief reference was made in tho telegraphic columns of tho “New Zealand Times' 1 £o important resolutions regarding tho proposed union of tho churches. Additional details now to hand show that at tho meeting of the Congregational Union of Now Zealand, the special committee set up t 0 investigate and report any practical steps possible to further tho movement for church union have submitted their findings to the present sitting ol council in Dunedin. The concluding images of tho debate on tho issue wero raised to a Tory high plane by the Rev. W, AI. Grant, of tho Port Chalmtirs Church, who dfmclt upon tho spiritual aspect of the question in a remarkably inspiring manner, pointing out tho great advantages accruing against the forces of evil by a closing up of the ranks of l Christendom, and presenting a united front to the many dangers which to-day menace the progress of the work of the Church. Other speakers were uplifted by fihe reverend gentleman's outspoken and convincing contentions on these lines, and the whole tono of the discussion was undoubtedly influenced in the direction of recognising the wisdom of supporting the proposals fot union, several who had previously held opposing views being led to change their attitude. THE MATERIAL SIDE.

Many of the laymen discussed the question from the material and Business standpoint., ,und ii wa» sliown that the financial prcfoloms involved were capable of satisfactory solution. It was also pointed out that the gam to the church life of the Dominion through lessened overlapping of cttoit would result in increased efficiency and a better supply of man power for widening the scope of religious and social work. The combined churches, too, would present a much more attractive sphere of activity for young men, and greater collegiate facilities would also be opened to them. The interests of the individual church would be conserved as much as possible, while the extreme shortage of ministers in both denominations (Congregational and Presbyterian) would bo a greater better provided for. IMPORTANT RESOLUTIONS. The chairman briefly reviewed the proposal, and the following resolutions on being put to the .vote were carried unanimously amidst applause: (1) That iu the interests of the Kingdom of God our churches he asked to affirm the desirability of an early union with the Presbyterian and Methodist Churches. ■ • <2) That in view of• the attitude of the Presbyterian Church on the subject as revealed in their referendum last year, and tho formal resolution passed at their last General Assembly, indicating tho probability of long delay in accomplishing the union of the three denominations; and also In view of the special circumstances tending to facilitate an earlier union between ourselves and the Presbyterians,' this council urge upon tho recognition of our churches 'the wisdom of their uniting in an approach to the Presbyterian Church with. a view to arranging an immediate union of the two denominations.

INITIAL STEPS. The following further resolutions were passed: (i) That the Central Committee on Union (Rev. W. Saunders, convener) be reappointed. (2) That Auckland, Wellington and Canterbury be asked to appoint local committees on union. (3) That these committees shall each appoint three representatives, who shall meet in Wellington to work out a basis of union for negotiation with the Presbyterian Committee appointed at the Invercargill Assembly, (4) That when the basis of union arrived at by the two committees has been before the next Presbyterian Assembly it shall he sent'to each church within the Congregational Union. (5) That certain gentlemen should bo appointed to visit our churches for the purpose of explaining the general position, and that the committee shall have power to appoint these. , (6)-.That - during such visit, each church be asked to vote on the question of union. _ ' (7) That the United Sub-committee on union prepare a report ,on the decision of our churches and'submit the same, together with a suggested resolution, to our next council.