UNION OF CHURCHES

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18512, 24 March 1922, Page 8

UNION OF CHURCHES

REV. JOHN PATERSON’S VIEWS. The Rev. John Paterson, M.A., in addressing the Congregational Union, aa represeutative of the Christehnrch Presbyti'i'y, said that he was present to convey greetings from the Presbyterian Church of ISJew Zealand. Ho had hoped to offer felicitations on the practical union of their two churches, but the Congregational Union 'had decided to drary back. It was not for him to question their action, but he felt ho must explain clearly the attitude of the General Assembly. The approach for union had, been made ,by the Congregationalists, and they had submitted their own terms. These had been accepted as a basis of negotiation, and articles of union had been agreed upon, practically embodying all that- the Congregational Committee had asked. The Assembly had provisionally adopted them, and offered to consider any further requests from the other side. Personally, he had been surprised that the Congregational Churches asked so little, and the' Assembly had held the door fully open if they desired to negotiate _ further. But it was now shut.. To him this was_ a matter of infinite regret. It was essential if the Church was to be an effective instrument for establishing the Kingdom of God, and making actual the will of Christ, that her forces should be united. In these new lands a vigorous national consciousness was awakening, and we needed a united church of New Zealand to embody our ideals and aspirations. If the churches were going to continue in water-tight compartments, and live for past memories, we would degenerate into sects. We might live on, but we would not become the conscience and soul of the awakening national life of the dominion. Further, the great need in the political and industrial world to-day was mutual trust and co-operation, and the elimination of suspicion. How can the Church dare to preach these things to the world if we cannot come together ourselves? As the Congregational Churches had decided to go on as before, he trusted that God’e rich blessing would be with them and that they would continue to witness to their distinctive principles of spiritual liberty, and the idea that the individual believer is after all the basis" of power and authority in the Church. ,