CHURCH UNION

Wanganui Herald, Volume LIII, Issue 160812, 20 November 1920, Page 2

CHURCH UNION

PRESBYTERIANS . AND CONGRBGATIONALISTS. (Per United Press Association.) WELLINGTON, Nov. 19. The question of Church Union was discussed, to-day hy the Presbyterian General Assembly. The committee on union presented a report in which the view was expressed that the hope was well founded that, in a brief period, organic union would be effected between the Presbyterians and Congregational body in New Zealand. The committee regrets the failure, to carry forward a larger union to a practical point, but records its unalterable, conviction that the union of the evangelical churches of the Dominion must come. If the work in this land is crowned with success, the Lambeth pronouncement may furnish a ground for hope in the ultimate reunion of Christendom, though its immediate proposals, so far as the committee is concerned, were not for a moment entertained. The developments among Congregationalists anticipated in last report have Issued in a definite proposal to come over in a body, accepting practically doctrine and policy without reserve, with a few immaterial adjustments. If the Presbyteries are favourable, union between the Presbyterian 1 , and Congregational Churches of. this Dominion will be speedily effected, and in two years’ time at the longest these churches should meet as one. The Rev. Dr Gibbs, convenor of the committee, hoped the proposals pf the Congregational Church of New Zedand would be accepted as a precursor of union to come. .The Rev. Wm. Paterson (Christchurch) said the proposals in ■ no way interfered with the principles of the Presbyterian Church. The committee’s report was received. AUCKLAND, Nov. 19.

The Auckland Methodist Conference passed a resolution expressing very hearty approval of the sentiments of the Bishop Lambeth Conference regarding church unity.