CHURCH UNION

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24944, 17 June 1942, Page 7

CHURCH UNION

PRESBYTERY OF DUNEDIN At a special meeting last night the Presbytery of Dunedin considered the returns from church sessions on the proposed basis of union with the Methodist and Congregational Churches in New Zealand. The Rev. H. J. Rvburn, convener of the Ecclesiastical Commitee, presented the results of the voting in sessions. After several amendments had been defeated, the following motion was carried:— " While recognising that a majority of the elders voting upon the matter have expressed an opinion favourable to church union with the Methodist and Congregational Churches upon the proposed bas.s, either as i't stands or else with immaterial amendments, the presbytery is also compelled to recognise that the majority of those voting are not favourable to anv immediate action being taken. Presbytery, therefore, recommends that no further active steps towards bringing the proposed church union into effect be taken for the duration of the war, and that the Union Committee be instructed to continue to explore the possibilities of corporate union and co-operation with the Methodist and Congregational Churches. After a lively discussion, the following further motion on the basis of union itself was carried by a large majority:— "In the light of the foregoing resolution, presbytery gives general approval to the proposed basis of union with the Methodist and Congregational Churches." It was also agreed to recommend that the possibility be explored of a combined ch.ur.ch paper, on joint training for the ministry, and on eliminating overlapping in church work.