PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 13845, 7 March 1907, Page 2

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

ELECTION OP MINISTERS. Tho method of electing ministers to fill charges in the Presbyterian Church has often evoked adverse criLieism, but congregations disciplined by the "Book of Order," which guides the procedure, have not hitherto mado any serious attempt lo effect a change. Tho experiences of the Soflon congregation, extending over a period of about four months before a settlement was effected, has, however, resulted in a movement being started by tho congregational leaders to have some change made. The call for reform is (says the Lytlolton Times) embodied in a petition lo tho Hcv. I>. 1). Rodger, moderator of the Seflon charge, which reads as follows: "Whereas strong dissatisfaction is felt in regard to the procedure as laid down in the lioolc of Order-necessary to Ik l , followed in appointing a pastor lo a vacant charge on, among others, the following groundsill) Its eumbersomnees, embracing as it does, the resignation; the charge declared vacant, by the Prcshylerv. the appointment of moderator, tho preaching of I lie charge vacant-, tho first congregational meeting, the hearing of candidates, the second congregational. meeting lo declare ready lo moderate, report lo Presbytery, tho third congregational meeting to sign the call, the call submitted to and sustained by tho Presbytery, induction. (2) Its inefficiency, the congregation choosing their mail without having the slightest idea as to his general. fitness or otherwise, and hcnco failure being as likely to result as success. (I) Its unfairness, only members, that is communicants, possessing voting power, notwithstanding tho fact that our churches receivo as much, .if not more, financial support from adherents as a whole as from members, -whilo many of our best church workers are found among the former. The spirit of tho ago demands equality of advantage to all. (4) Its slowness, requiring a period of three months to complete. (5) Its prejudicial effect on the congregation introducing an clement of friction, a loss of interest in the church work, irregularity of attendance during the vacancy, and consequently financial loss. (6) Its absurdities —steps to secure a successor cannot bo taken until the resigning minister retires; the charge for three months or more following oil a resignation being actually vacant, tho summoning of the whole congregation to dedare ready to moderate, and yet the adherent's present in answer to the summons lining denied the right to vote. Therefore, your petitioners, the undersigned members and adherents of the Softon charge of tho Presbyterian Church of New Zoaland, hereby humbly request that you will take such slops, and commence such action in tho Christchurch Presbytery as will cause reform in the matter aforcstat.ed to lie effected by- Iho (fpner,;! Assembly of the Church. While . not.'-wishing to dictate the lines on which reform should bo based, your petitioners would respectfully request thai ils main object be lo secure sinmlicity. equity, and effectiveness of aim." It is the intention of the originators of the movement to forward a copy of til? petition lo each charge in North Canterbury _ with a request for co-operation.