CHURCH UNION

Timaru Herald, Volume CLI, Issue 22202, 20 February 1942, Page 4

CHURCH UNION

Daring Policy Needed Denominational Barriers (Special) WELLINGTON, Feb. 19. The question of Church Union was discussed by the president of the Methodist conference (Rev. W. Walker) in the course of his inaugural address at the opening of the conference to-day. "When we survey the task of the Church in overcoming her avowed f 3s; in fighting prevalent evils, in purifying and raising social conditions, in influencing legislation, in arresting the deadly apathy to spiritual realities; in establishing the brotherhood of nations, and in winning the heathen world for Christ; we are immediately convinced that the present disunited Church is hopelessly inadequate for the task,” said Mr Walker. "No matter what may have been the reasons tor separation into various denominations, few if any of those reasons exist to-day among the major bodies of the Protestant Church,” continued the president. “We rejoice in the increasing friendliness, the warm co-operation, and the occasional united efforts of the Churches, but the torrent of evil will not be stemmed, nor the powers of hell overcome by such'feeble efforts as these. The clamant demand to-day is for a daring policy of Church Union and Church Federation. We need Church statesmen who are big enough, clear sighted enough and with sufficient of the grace of God in their hearts to see far beyond their own denominational barriers. There is urgent need to plan and labour for a united Church which would more fully express the Holy Spirit and reveal to the world that inner unity and loyalty to Christ which already exists, but which remains fettered and bound.” Distinctive Witness “Every denomination possesses much which is dear and precious to its members. It is justly proud both of its history and its heritage. It rejoices in its own distinctive witness to spiritual truth. It is well satisfied with its efficient and democratic policy. No one denomination has a monopoly of these gains. Most of these worthwhile possessions could be brought into, and greatly enrich the United Church. In some things, the way to Church Union will be by way of the cross. But what is the use of preaching redemption by the cross in the pulpit unless we are prepared to practise it in Church Courts? It is always easy to magnify little things into vital principles and thus defeat a good cause. If members and leaders would more fully contemplate the gigantic task of the Church, and study the tragic weaknesses caused by disunion, and then look into the face of Jesus, there would be no difficulty in knowing His will. “The way of approach to Church Union is through an intelligent and sympathetic understanding of each other. Following this, there is need for fellowship and a reasonable degree of interchange of pulpits. Those groups which are nearest akin in doctrine and polity should first unite. After that a wider union would be possible in which there would be room for diversity of expression in worship and in polity. “We rejoice that steps have already been taken to achieve this object. The invitation presented by the Methodist Church to the Presbyterian and the Congregational Churches was well received and a united committee was constituted. This committee reached agreement concerning ‘Basis of Union.’ The General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church by practically a unanimous vote, received it and sent it on to Church Sessions and Presbyteries for consideration and report.” The president appealed to every member to give the matter earnest consideration.