UNFERMENTED WINE AT COMMUNION.

Otago Witness, Issue 3348, 15 May 1918, Page 18

UNFERMENTED WINE AT COMMUNION.

At the meeting last week of the Dunedin Presbytery, The Rev. A. W. Kinmont wrote resigning his position as minister at East Taieri. He felt that his work at East Taieri was done. For some time past his opinion regarding the use of fermented wine at the Lord's Supper had been growing stronger until it had settled into a firm conviction. He had come to believe that it was no longer right and fitting to use that which was responsible for so much of the misery, the crime, the sin, the suffering, and the moral and spiritual ruin in New Zealand, and throughout the Empire, as the symbol of all that was holiest and most sacred in their faith. When the fruit of the Tine could bo obtained in an unfermented state, he could not see his way \ to use alcoholic wine as the symbol of the love and blood and sacrifice of their blessed Lord and of their salvation through Him.

Some months ago he informed his kirksession of his views. At their last communion on April 7 he was compelled by his convictions to use unfermented wine, even against the wish of his kirk-session, though the use of it meant the absence from communion, and probable resignation, of at least one of the senior elders. There had been no quarrel or ill-feeling in the matter, but, having acted as he did, and feeling as he did," he had taken the earliest opportunity of sending in his resignation to ,the Presbytery. The Rev. Mr Kilpatrick (Interim-modera--lor of East Taieri) reported the steps that had been taken. A meeting of the congregation N had .expressed its regret at Mr Kinmont's departure, and as it was his strong desire that the congregation should concur in his resignation it had reluctantly done so. Representatives of the congregation appeared before the Presbytery and spoke of Mr Kinmont's excellent work in the district. The. Rev. Mr Kilpatrick moved : " That the resignation be accepted as from Juno 30." He bore testimony to the value of the rev. gentleman's work.

The Rev. G. 11. Balfour seconded the motion, and suKcested the following addition : " Inducted into the charge in 1903. Mr Kinraont has for nearly 15 years faithfully fulfilled his duties as minister there. An able and uplifting preacher and a sympathetic) friend, he gave unstintingly of his'

best to the cause and people of the district in ■which he laboured. A regular at Presbytery, he pave earnest attention to the business of the court: He has taken an active interest in ■ important departments of the church's work, and as a brother minister has exhibited a spirit of true brotherliness and generous hospitality. The Presbytery fommends him to the grace of tne Heavenly Father, and trusts that he may soon be restored to health, and that he may before long find a congenial sphere of usefulness in the service of Christ and His church."

The addition proposed bv Mr Balfonr was added to the motion, which was carried.

The Rev. Mr Sutherland moved: " That' the question of the kind of wine to be used at communion service bo referred to the Ecclesiastical Committee for a report." The motion was seconded by the Rev. Mi" Kilpatrick, and agreed to.