STATEMENT ACCEPTED

Taranaki Daily News, 8 November 1935, Page 4

STATEMENT ACCEPTED

THE PRESBYTERIAN FAITH COMMENDED AS GUIDE TO CHURCH OVERWHELMING MAJORITY VOTE. DECISION OF GENERAL ASSEMBLY. By Telegraph—Press Association. Wellington, Last Night. 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 a short statement was issued by the Church of Scotland to meet the new situation. The New Zealand church sent the statement to the various presbyteries for their consideration, and 18 of the 19 gave their approval.

The chief criticism of the statement came from those who emphasised 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.

The 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 a misunderstanding. It was also pointed out that the statement was in no sense binding, but it was commended to the attention of the church for its guidance.