PRIMITIVE METHODIST CHURCH

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 108, 27 October 1911, Page 8

PRIMITIVE METHODIST CHURCH

TARiAXAKI DISTRICT SYNOD. SECOND DAY. The Synod was opened by the chairman, Rev. B. Metson. Letters of sympathy were passed to several families who have been bereaved. Considerable discussion took place on the question of carrying on the work at Inglewood. The following resolution was pissed; "That it is the strong opinion of this Synod that the Conference be urged to withdraw our agent from Inglewood and take steps to dispose of the property there." The resignations of Revs. H. B. Ford Carlisle and William Gatman were recorded.

The Rev. S. Bailey and Mr. R. Pe,pperell were appointed district representatives on the Conference Stationing Committee. Rev. R. Liddell was elected district representative for the next Synod, and Mr. 11. Pcpperell was appointed auditor. Church properties' reports were received and discussed, and the following statistics in reference thereto were received: Churches 11, value £7535; parsonages 5. value £4495. Resolved: That the District Synod- for 1912 be held at Stratford on 23rd October

That Rev. S. Bailey be district agent of the youths' department. That we place on record our high appreciation of the connexional "Magazine," and consider that it reflects great credit on the honorary officer, and we urge our circuits to increase the circulation of the same. NO-LICENSE.

The following resolutions were carried: That in view of the widespread evils resulting from the liquor traffic to the individual, the home, the church, and the community generally, we pledge ourselves to use all lawful means in our power to secure no-license and Dominion prohibition, and urge all our (members and adherents over 21 years of age to exercise their rights at the coming election in favor of no-license and Dominion prohibition by striking out the top line* on both ballot papers.

GAMBLING. That we deeply deplore the widespread spirit of gambling, and pledge ourselves to do all in our power to discourage it and protect our young people from its baneful influence; and urgently request the present Government in power to abolish the totalisator. THE "NE TEMERE" DECREE.

That the District Synod of the Taranaki Primitive Methodist Churches, assembled at Wanganui, having had its attention directed to the "Ne Temere" decree of the Roman Catholic Church, whereby the presence of a Roman Catholic priest is affirmed to be necessary to the validity of a marriage between a Roman Catholic and a nonRoman Catholic, declares as follows: That while recognising the right and duty of every Christian church to refuse to lend its sanction to marriages which are forbidden by the Law of God, even though such marriages should be legalised by the State, this Synod declares its conviction that the type of marriage pronounced to be null and void in this decree, is not in reality forbidden by any Divine law, and maintains that all such condemnation of the validity of such marriages is an offence to God". EVANGELICAL. A committee to arrange for evangelistic services throughout the district during the coming year was set up. with the recommendation that evangelistic missions be held on every circuit during the winter months if possible, such missions to be conducted by an interchange of ministers.

Votes of thanks to the officers of the Synod and to the ho,ts and hostesses who have entertained the delegates, and the reading of the Journal brought the nes-.ion to a close.