CHURCH UNION.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LX, Issue 16824, 28 November 1916, Page 7

CHURCH UNION.

DEPUTATION TO PRESBYTERIAN ASSEMBLY.

Per Press Association. WELLINGTON, Nov. 27. Church union was the main theme indulged in by a deputation from the Wellington Ministers' Association which waited upon the Presbyterian Assembly to-day. The Rev. .1. It. Glasson, representing the Wellington Ministers' Association, conveyed fraternal greetings to the Assembly. The Christian world, he said, owed a great deal to the Presbyterians. Speaking as a Congregational ist, he stated that he could not help thinking that the two churches had much in common. They were able to realise that yesterday, when the Assembly sent two of its ministers to the Congregational church on the Terrace. Why was it, he asked, that the free churches could not join forces? As he listened to the services yesterday, he was impressel by the fact that there was little difference between the two churches. At the present time there was talk of a shortage of ministers. Well, be was convinced that there was a certain amount of waste throughout the Dominion. There was evidence of it on the Terrace when two churches, dose together had practically the same ideals, two churches that placed practically the same interpretation on spiritual matters. He hoped the time was coming when there would be closer union. Whether it would be organic union or simply federation. Ji,e could not say, but be hoped that something in the way of union would ultimately be arrived at. He expected the war would have a wonderful effect upon the position, placing it no doubt in a u.e\v light. On Dr. Gibbs' motion the Assembly thanked the Wellington Ministers' Association for their presence and expressed appreciation and reciprocation of tlie sentiments of fraternity and .esteem expressed by Mr. Glasson, assuring the deuptation and churches that they represent, of its realisation of the unity in faith and hone and services which binds together all churches that hold Christ as their Head.