THE UNITED CHRISTIAN COUNCIL.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 17081, 13 August 1917, Page 13

THE UNITED CHRISTIAN COUNCIL.

Although, it has been the means of "doing much valuable work in tho past, the Dunedin Council of Christian Churchcs has lately been moved by a very earnest desire to find a way to something more like that union of the churches about which there has been so much talk and so little actually dona Accordingly tho executive commended to the recent annual meeting of the Council of Churches for favourable consideration to revised constitution on n. denominational basis rather than that of separate individual congregations, as had previously obtained. In pursuance of this proposal several meetings have durin,g the last week or two been held of representative men of the churchcs for the purpose of discussing the possibility of_ acting together, for obviously occasions arise when the Church might speak in more vivid and sturdy tones united than alone Those recent preliminary meetings have been unique as well in their compositions as m their inspiration. Anglicans Presbyterians, Methodists, Baptists, Congregationalism, members of the Church of Christ and ■of the Salvation Army, met on a common footing, and from first to last there has been no hitch in the proceedings, nor aught to suggest the denominational equation. The finest Christian spirit was manifested, and it ought to be a liberal education in tho art of brotherly kindness to those who are always talking about the disunion of the churches. It was a goodly sight on the evening of Inst Friday week when the duly accredited representatives of tho different sections of the Church already named, agreed to unite their forces m genuine fashion' to safeguard all that contributes to the best life of the city. To make plain tho larger constituency of tho new association it was unanimously determined that the reorganised oouncil should henceforth bo known as "Tho United Christian Council." The following were elected as the officsrs for tho ensuing year President, Rev. A. Cameron, B.A. j vice-presi-dent, Rev. Canon Nevill, 8.A.; treasurer Mr E. Rosevear; secretary, Rev. Geo' Heighway. Tho machinery for great usefulness is ready, and a full programme of work well in hand—work that is common to all and can be best done in concert.