UNION OF CHURCHES.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 12604, 6 March 1903, Page 2

UNION OF CHURCHES.

.. .. THE METHODIST CONFERENCE APPROVES. (From ODK SPECIAL CowtESPOXPKtrr.) CHRISTCHURCH, March 5. At tlio Mothodist Conference tliis morning the Rev. J. J. Lewis moved tho motion, of which lie had given notice tho previous day, with regard to the suggesed union between tho Methodist, Presbyterian, and Congregational Churches, as follows: — | "That this conference has received with much satisfaction tho resolution of the General Assombly of tho Presbyterian Church of New Zealand on the great subject of the union of tho Evangelical ohurchcn, and lias also listened with pleasure to tho fraternal sentiments expressed by the deputation which prcsonted the resolution, The. eonferonee gladly reeogniscs the fading of mere sectarian differences and tho growth of inter-denominational amenities and cooperation. Believing that the movement along theso linos will be accelerated year by year, it appoints a Central Committee in Christchurch, with corresponding committees in other districts, to sit during the year anid consult with tho committees of the oher churches as to the basis upon which a. comprehensive federation may bo carried out." Lewis said that the committee would meet tho committees of tho other churches and report io tho confcrence. JJg could hardly share tho opinion expressed that the General Conference would only, havo to be asked iai order to obtain iU concent to a New Zealand Union, because he remembered its unbending opposition to the former division. He thought, however, as far as creed was concerned, there was little difficulty. Tho great minds of tho Church were already at aae, and it was only the smaller _ ones that made trouble. If the Mothodist Church coultl combine with tho Presbyterians the gain would be vast. The sentimental objection should be respected, hut it should not 1)3 paramount. The Mothodist Church would not lose its great preachers and worker?. At present tho great trouble of the Methodist ministry was insufficient 6tipond. Under theee conditions it was impossible to got the best out of a man. A minister should be relieved of all unnecessary anxieties. Moreover, there was a great deal in tho stimulus of numbers. Give a man a. great and 'powerful church, and if he had any preaching power it would come out. lie looked upon tho suggested union ais tho deathblow to bigotry. Ho heartily agreed with those who said that they wero uniting against sacerdotalism. As a united church thoy could mako it impossible for any Government lo thrust on tho pcoplo am Education Bill like that of Great Britain. They needed the aid of tho Spirit's power, and then they would realise that they wero one in Christ's love. They were asked to sacrifice no principle, and he hoped that tho oonferonc& would unamimoufily carry the motion and so hasten on the consummation which was so devoutly to be desired.

The Rev. J. N. Buttle seconded the motion, reserving; his speerh. The Rev. H. Bull said t ]. a t when ho had rood tho resolution of tho Presbyterian lioncral Assembly ho yiohloc! to 110 one in his love for Methodism, but he believed that tiro union would ba for the glory of God and tbo advancement of Kin kingdom h. union was not only possible, but- would prove of great advantage to the Church in the colony. Thcro were, of couree, consideraMe difficulties in the way, but none over which the Christian spirit would not ultimately triumph He fplt ncrfectly sure that there need be no alteration in polity or doctrine which any sound Methodist could not readily accept. New Zealand had given many an objectleFson to the world, and he Relieved that this union would be hor crown, nig glory. Tho Rev. P. \V. Fairclough said that he approved of a federation, hut thought tho idea of more to be simply Utopian. J-Ucrhouist doctrinal woro embedded too deeply to be removed, and the two generous bodies which were approaching the Church woud a,so desire to keep to their own narticular. beliefs. There would havo to be toleration cm both sides. Jin hoped that nothing ho nad said would be construed that ho opposed tho proposal, bccairee ho lielievod that it would be one of the greatest and most epoch-making cvonta of Church history. Several other speakers took part in the climissicni, all approving. 11l replying, the Rev. J. ,T. Lewis said that lie would accept a suggestion of the Rev. H. Bull that the word "union" should be substituted for "federation" in the motion. Tho motion was then carried unanimously by a stciichng vote. The following Central Committee won up. pointed :-Tlie nrwident, tho Revs. 11. Bull, 1 ~f e ' ;,/ J - TT Pareonson ' Baumber, and Messrs W Harris, G. ,T. Smith, ,1. T. Smith, J. C. Pnidhoo, and E. 0. Brown, iho district committees will be appointed