METHODIST CONFERENCE.

Gisborne Times, Volume IX, Issue 833, 6 March 1903, Page 1

METHODIST CONFERENCE.

Per Press Association., Christchurch, last night

The Methodist Conference this morning discussed foreign ipission matters, fixing the first Sunday in August for bringing the subject before the congregations. An influential deputation from the Anglican Church, headed by Dean Harper, presented an address conveying warm fraternal greetings. The motion of J. J Lewis re union with the Presbyterian Church was discussed and carried unanimously.

The Methodist Conference discussed foreign (business, and appointed an executive committee to deal with the matter. It was resolved that all income, together with lists of contributions, be forwarded to the Foreign Missions Secretary each year, that the Foreign Missions Secretary and a layman be appointed treasurers, the former to be a member of the conference; that the executive committee, in conjunction with the superintendent, arrange a plan of deputations to cover the whole colony ; and that the circuit superintendents be requested to call congregations’ attention to mission literature. The Rev. J. M. Buttle and Mr 0. Hicks were re-elected secretaries. The conference directed that annual sermons be preached in all churches on the subject. The Rev. Scotter was designated for mission deputation work in New Zealand during the ensuing 12 months. The question of Church Union was considered. The Rev. J. J. Lewis moved the conference’s satisfaction at the resolution of the Presbyterian Church on the subject. The Union gladly listened to the fraternal sentiments, and recognises the fading sectarian differences, and appoints a Central Committee in the church, with corresponding committees elsewhere, to consult ypith the committees of other churches as to the basis of a comprehensive federation. The motion is being discussed.