MOVE TOWARDS CHURCH UNION.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17878, 21 June 1926, Page 5

MOVE TOWARDS CHURCH UNION.

NONCONFORMIST BISHOP ARRIVES IN AUCKLAND. (Special to the “Star.’) AUCKLAND, June 21. A unique position in the religious world is occupied by the Rev J. *D. Jones, M.A., D.D.. of Bournemouth, England, who arrived at Auckland by the Niagara to-day. The distinguished ■visitor is sometimes referred to as “ the Nonconformist Bishop of England," and it has been said that had he entered politics instead of the Church, he would undoubtedly have become Prime Minister of England. Dr Jones was twice chosen as chairman of the Congregational Union of England and Wales, an honour not yet Conferred on anyone else. While chairman. Dr Jones was responsible for raising £750,000 for the Congregational forward movement fund. He is one of a small number of Nonconformist leaders who preach in'the English cathedrals. He has preached in Bournemouth for twentyeight years, and his church has always been crowded. Dr Jones intends to. spend a considerable time in Australia where he will occupy the pulpit of Collins Street Church. Melbourne. He will also visit some of the other Australian States. While in Auckland he will give two addresses, the first in the Beresford Street Congregational Church this evening, and the second riext Sunday. Dr Jones then leaves for Wellington, en route to Australia. Interviewed on his arrival, Dr Jones said that the prime object, of the trip was a rest cure, though an opportunity had arisen to fill a pulpit in Melbourne for three months. Speaking on church matters in England. Dr Jones said that he was one of seven who conferred with bishops on the question of -union, hut an impasse was reached owing to the Anglicans' demand for re-ordination, a condition not acceptable to the Nonconformists. The trend, however, was towards union. Dr Jones himself, preached quite recently in the Cathedrals of Canterbury, Liverpool and Hereford. while ‘ the Dean of Canterbury and the Bishop of Hereford had preached in Dr Jones's own church at Bournemouth. Such a possibility would have been scorned twenty, even ten, years ago.