PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

Southland Times, Issue 18984, 19 November 1920, Page 5

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY. HOW TO REACH THE MASSES, (Pei United Press Association.)

WELLINGTON, November 18

The Presbyterian General Assembly resumed to-day. It was resolved that each Presbytery take into consideration the matter of special evangelistic efforts in its different charges. Considerable discussion occurred on a recommendation that the sessions be urged to aim at fostering a spirit of loyalty on the part of members to the services of the Church. Several members took the view that strong efforts wore needed to prevent a falling off in church attendance. The Rev. J. Paterson said he did not believe in the efficacy of house to house visits. Well advertised evangelistic services were needed.

The Rev. R. RL Rybum took the opposite view.

Mr J. H. Joll made a vigorous attack on the attitude of the Church. How many leaders of the Church, he asked, when they visited the cities went to the places where there were congregated persons it was desirable that the Church should reach ? Did they stay in democratic houses? Were they not living in a fool’s paradise? There was considerable interruption at this stage. Mr Joll said it was a time for plain speaking. The question was one of the most serious the Church had to face. All efforts would fail unless the. Church got down to bedrock and followed in the footsteps of Christ down among the people. The Rev. I. Jolly supported Mr Joll. The recommendation was adopted. THE SANCTITY OF MARRIAGE. ASSERTION OF THE CHRISTIAN VIEW. WELLINGTON, November 18. The Rev. D. D. Scott moved the following recommendation;—“ That an effort be made throughout the whole Church to proclaim the Christian view of marriage, and that the third Sunday in March be the day for that purpose.” The mover pointed to the very great number of diverces that had been granted throughout the country, and added that unless he was mistaken the majority of these had been in connection with the worst offence against marriage relations. He quoted an eminent authority’s words that “divorce is not the cause of the decadence of a nation; it is a symptom of that decadence.” Mr Scott said that some good would be accomplished if the Church were to have “a big drive” on one particular Sunday with a view to setting forth the Christian view of marriage. The Rev. I. Jolly said that the way in which marriage was coming to be regarded by many people was one of the ominous signs of the times. One had only to recall the history of the Roman Empire to appreciate the significance of Mr Scott’s quotation. It was patent to all that the community was drifting away from the Christian doctrines of marriage, the preservation of which was essential for the well-being of the nation and not merely the Church. The recommendation was carried, along with another recommendation as follows: — “That the Assembly set up a committee toconsider the relation of the Church to the divorce laws, and that this committee suggest instructions for the guidance of ministers and others, and report to the next Assembly.” Misses Arthur, Grieve, and Keen were ordained as deaconesses and will work in the Maori mission field. There was a discussion on a suggestion to enlarge the scope of the home mission work, and incidentally to materially increase the salaries paid to the missioners. The appointment of a Director of Home Missions was also strongly urged. No decisions have yet been arrived at.