PRESBYTERIAN ASSEMBLY

Wanganui Herald, Volume LIII, Issue 160812, 20 November 1920, Page 5

PRESBYTERIAN ASSEMBLY

REV, MURRAY’S SUSPENSION

(Per United Press Association.)

WELLINGTON, Nov. 20,

The Presbyterian General Assembly had before it tbe case of tbe Rev, A. A. Murray, who is under suspension by the Auckland Presbytery. The complaint against him is that he underwent immersion at the hands of a Baptist minister, and expressed disbelief in infant baptism and discontinued it in his church.

After some opposition, it was decided to hear the appeal. Murray was then heard personally. His principal contention was that he had never been formally charged with a definite breach of duty, and when the citation was issued he was not informed of the nature of the charge. He said he was advised by two eminent counsel that his action was justified. Opponents contended that Murray had been given a full opportunity for discussion and explanation, but had bounced out of the way, and invitations to meet the Presbytery were treated with contempt. The Assembly dismissed the appeal, and also a further appeal lodged on his behalf by Mr Campbell, elder of his church.

Dr ‘ Gibb said Murray seemed to he courting martyrdom, and begged him to resign and save the Assembly from endorsing his suspension. Murray did not respond.