CHRISTIAN UNITY.

Waiapu Church Gazette, Volume XXI, Issue 15, 1 November 1931, Page 4

CHRISTIAN UNITY.

In bringing forward a motion, "That this Synod is strongly of opinion that the forces of materialism and secularism in the world to-day are such that they constitute a very clear call for unity in the Church . . ." Archdeacon Chatterton said that there could be no two opinions as to the importance of union. On the mission field Christian disunity was one of the greatest hindrances, and it was clear that something must soon be done. There were only two constructive schemes before the Church to-day — absorption, as laid down by the Roman Catholic Church, and the Lambeth scheme, for which the speaker claimed historical priority. The Lambeth reports should be more closely studied as a whole. On the subject of union it had particular interest. Conferences were at present being held between the Orthodox and Anglican Churches, from which much was expected. Negotiations had been

re-opened between the Federal Council of the Free Churches and ourselves in England. Reference was made to the movement in Germany directed amongst the youth by Karl Barth, a representative of the Lutheran Church, which were powerful incentives towards a wider unity. These facts called them to consider their own relation towards union. What could they do to help forward this vital question? They wanted their own members to understand the question, and wanted the rest of the Christian Churches to consider the full import of the Lambeth resolutions. Sir Robert Parks stated recently that the Methodists could not consider union with a State Church. But this overlooked the fact ithat the Church of England was only a State Church in England. Lack of comprehension of the true position of the Anglican Church was therefore not unknown even amongst the leaders of other churches. The spirit of Lambeth was decidedly against absorption, which seemed to be the greatest fear of others when the subject of union was mentioned. The twentieth century had witnessed the development of all kinds of cooperative effort, and the Church must not lag behind. The Bishop agreed that they were all desirous of seeing a wider union. He urged support for the resolution, which called for a study of the Lambeth conference report. But something further was needed to bring about closer co-operation and fellowship. Past experience showed that fellowship with others meant enlightentment and understanding and sympathy in the various points of view. He urged the clergy to make use of every opportunity for entering into discussion and fellowship with members of other churches, so that errone- ' ous ideas might be combatted, and steps taken to achieve the union of the Christian Church, for which they hoped and longed.