The Christadelphian, March 1958

“The Truth in Australia”

For some time a note attached to Intelligence items from Australia has indicated that there was some confusion in the ecclesial situation there. As other references to Australian affairs (see THE CHRISTADELPHIAN, 1957, pages 189, 269 and 311) have indicated, efforts have been proceeding to establish co-operation among divided ecclesias. A statement was approved in Victoria where co-operation between some ecclesias was established (see THE CHRISTADELPHIAN, 1956, page 189). A Committee in Sydney, N.S.W., has now been working in conjunction with the Victorian Unity Committee and a basis for negotiation with the Central and Shield ecclesias for resumption of fellowship has been agreed. The Statement is as follows:

UNITY COMMITTEE MEETING AT SYDNEY, N.S.W., IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE VICTORIAN UNITY COMMITTEE

BASIS for negotiation with the Central ecclesias for resumption of Fellowship.

(1) General Beliefs

(a) We agree that the doctrines to be believed and taught by us, without reservation, are the first principles of the One Faith as revealed in the Scriptures, of which the Birmingham Amended Statement of Faith (with positive and negative clauses and the Commandments of Christ) gives a true definition. Clauses 5 and 12 are understood in harmony with the explanations provided by brethren Carter and Cooper . . .

(This follows the addendum of the Carter/Cooper letter which was sent to the Australian Conference in Melbourne and was reproduced in THE CHRISTADELPHIAN in 1957, page 270.)

(b) Acceptance of this basis would not preclude the use of any other adequate Statement of Faith by an ecclesia, provided this is in harmony with the B.A.S.F. understood as in Clause 1 (a) above.

(2) Fellowship

It is affirmed that:

(a) Where any brethren depart from any element of the One Faith, either in doctrine or practice, they shall be dealt with according to the Apostolic precept and that extreme action would be ecclesial disfellowship of the offender (Matt. 18:15–17; Titus 3:10–11).

(b) If it is established that an ecclesia sets itself out by design to preach and propagate at large, false doctrine, then it would become necessary to dissociate from such an ecclesia.

(c) The course of action necessitated by the above clauses (a) and (b), will be regulated by the principles of the Scripture and follow the spirit of the Ecclesial Guide, Sections 32, 41 and 42.

The Horticultural Hall ecclesia, Melbourne, include in their Intelligence (included in this issue) references to the procedure they have adopted. It might be expected there will be margins of uncertainty for a time; but there appears to be a very widespread acceptance of the Statement given above, and in consequence the early co-operation of many ecclesias on that basis may be expected. As anyone with experience would expect, there is a dissenting minority. Two ecclesias and part of a third, at least, have refused to endorse either the Reunion in England or the one proposed for Australia. We might be in a position to make a more definite statement next month.

Intelligence

MELBOURNE. — Horticultural Hall, 31 Victoria Street. 9.15, 11, 7. Wednesdays, 8.— ... Ecclesial Decision re Fellowship: For many months the brethren and sisters of this ecclesia have had their minds exercised as to the right attitude the ecclesia should adopt on the matter of fellowship. After considerable discussion and several ecclesial meetings it was decided on Aug. 4, by ballot, to extend fellowship to brethren and sisters of other ecclesias upon their individual acceptance of our basis, subject to certain conditions which are set out in the appended statement. This decision has cost us dearly for we have to report that 57 (about one third) of our members found themselves unable to accept the decision of the majority—preferring the long established practice of group fellowship as it has been applied in Australia for many years—and have formed a new ecclesia at Northcote (a suburb about six miles north of Melbourne). While sadly missing their company and support we still wish them well and trust that their new lightstand will prosper.—R. R. PERRY.

STATEMENT OF POSITION ADOPTED

BY

HORTICULTURAL HALL ECCLESIA,

4 AUGUST, 1957

1.—That the Statement of Faith (B.A.S.F.) contained in our printed Constitution be re-affirmed as our basis of fellowship, and that clauses 4 to 12 be understood according to the teaching of the “Time to Heal” articles (published in THE CHRISTADELPHIAN in December, 1940.—Ed.).

2.—That our past practice with regard to fellowship be modified to the following extent: That we welcome to our fellowship visiting brethren and sisters who individually accept the basis set out in paragraph 1, subject to the following conditions:

(a) That, if they are members of an ecclesia, that ecclesia accepts all doctrines expressed in the B.A.S.F.

(b) That if their ecclesia has not adopted the “Time to Heal” articles, such visiting brethren or sisters should urge them to do so.

(c) That, if we know of any of the ecclesia from which the visitors come who teach wrong doctrine, they give an assurance that they will press for action according to apostolic precept against such error.

(d) That if time does not permit of discussion of these matters with a visitor whose position is not known, he be given a statement of our basis and practice, and be received, without prejudice, on the understanding that he express his agreement before any further meeting with us.

(e) That if an ecclesia is proved to be wilfully and persistently preaching error, no member of such ecclesia shall be received by us at the Lord’s Table without first repudiating such error and giving assurance of intention to take the scriptural course to terminate his association with such ecclesia.

3.—That members of our ecclesia recognize the duty to break bread only with ecclesias which accept the doctrines and precepts set out in the B.A.S.F. together with the explanation of clauses 4 to 12 given in the “Time to Heal” articles.