“SHORT STATEMENT”

Southland Times, Issue 22733, 8 November 1935, Page 7

“SHORT STATEMENT”

PRESBYTERIAN FAITH. DEBATE CONTINUED. (Per United Press Association.) Wellington, November 7. The debate on the “short statement” of the Presbyterian faith which was begun at the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of New Zealand on Tuesday was concluded to-day when the document was accepted by an overwhelming majority. The “short statement” is an effort to express the faith of the church in documentary form, in view of the fact that since the Westminster Confession of Faith was drawn up 300 years _ ago, thought has moved forward. The “short statement” was issued by the Chucrch of Scotland to meet the new situation in New Zealand. The church sent the statement to the various Presbyteries for their consideration and 18 out of 19 gave their approval. Chief criticism of the statement came from those who emphasized the infallibility of the Bible and from the Wanganui Presbytery where the point at issue was that the statement presented the view that Christ’s work accomplished nothing as far as God was concerned, but was merely a revelation of God with the purpose of changing men. Defenders of the statement pleaded for a comprehensive document -which would meet the many divergent views, as long as those views were consistent with historical Christianity, and it was contended that some of the objections raised were based on misunderstanding. It was also stated that the statement was in no sense binding, but it was commended to the attention of the church for its guidance.