WOMEN AS ELDERS

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19374, 12 July 1937, Page 4

WOMEN AS ELDERS

THE PROPOSAL OPPOSED WELLINGTON PRESBYTERY The admission of women elders to its church courts is not favoured by the Wellington presbytery, which recently discussed the matter and decided against the change. Commenting on the decision of th® Dunedin presbytery by one vote, to admit women elders, the Rev. D. M. Hercus, of Brooklyn, immediate pastmoderator of the Wellington Presbytery, who was consulted in the absence of the Dresent moderator, Mr. T. C. Brash, s'aid the issue was a complex one. There were those who favoured very strongly the appointment of women on principle, and also in practice; the large majority—had no strong objection on principle, but considered the appointment of women inexpedient; and a third class was opposed to the suggestion both on principle and in practice.

The opponents of women elders believed the team spirit and understanding which existed among a court of men might be disturbed by the presence of members of the other sex, Mr. Hercus said. On the other hand, it was contended —and not by women alone, by any means—that there were many phases of work which could be better directed by women.

“Things it is not necessary to change it is necessary not to change,” said Mr. Hercus, quoting the 17th century writer Hawkland. “The present system is functioning quite smoothly. The women have their own organisations, and it is felt that they are serving the church quite well and that a change is inexpedient. Even in England and Canada, where the door has been opened, the opportunity has not been greatly availed of. This is very significant, and tells in the direction of those who feel the time is not ripe for such a change.”