The Christadelphian May 1956, John Carter

“The Truth in Australia”

For fifty years there have been two groups of ecclesias in Australia. The division arose out of the teaching of the first Editor of The Shield, and the name of the magazine has been used to define the group of ecclesias. We do not propose discussing the events of fifty years ago; we are now concerned with the position today. In Australia and in other countries, including Britain, a new generation arises. Young brethren of different groups have met on work of national importance and have been prompted by discussion one with another to examine the divisions for themselves. It is easy for older brethren to ignore the changes the years have brought, as it is easy for younger brethren to dismiss the past too hastily. By keeping past and present in right perspective we may examine how far time has brought its inevitable modifications and how far past divisions are today justified. This re-examination has been proceeding almost everywhere.

For some months we have had a short statement at the head of Australian Intelligence about the confused position there. This has not been altogether acceptable to some brethren in Australia. The reason for it, however, will be made apparent by the publication in the Visitor section of some statements concerning Australian affairs. In the State of Victoria a Statement as a basis of reunion was agreed upon by a number of ecclesias. Two ecclesias then called for further assurances before implementing the decisions, and as other ecclesias who were parties to the Statement proceeded with reunion, there is now non-co-operation where it formerly existed. That the two ecclesias agreed to the Statement seems to indicate that in itself this was good. But whether the decision of the others to give effect to the proposals at once was also good, time will prove. What concerns ecclesias outside Australia is their attitude to visitors who may come from there. The practical way is to maintain for the time being the position as it existed twelve months ago; and if in doubt let each ecclesia exercise the right to interview any brother or sister concerning their beliefs before receiving them. The wrong thing is to spread the difficulties in one area to all other places. It is easy to raise the cry “Who is on the Lord’s side?” or “We must take action.”. There are some brethren with a fatal aptitude for meddling, and the nature of the action is not altered by calling it zeal for truth. The best action is to continue our preaching and our ecclesial work, and give the brethren in Australia time to find a solution.

We said “for the time being”—for it is evident that further discussion is desirable; the affiliations with the Shield group outside Australia alone make that imperative. But the Shield brethren can help. Most of them meet on the Birmingham Amended Statement of Faith. The Victoria agreement bases fellowship on the acceptance of the truths therein set out, and the refusal of fellowship to any who do not. Those ecclesias, both Shield and Central, who have subscribed to the Victoria basis, are in a position where they must seek, as their own agreement in fact requires, to clarify the position with regard to those Shield ecclesias against which the charges of holding wrong doctrine are made. If the charges are correct, then the Shield ecclesias have a duty to set matters right. If the charges are not correct then let the fact be established. That there is need for something to be done we believe many Shield brethren recognize. The Editor of The Shield has virtually called for it. If there are one or two perverse men whose voices create discord and make division, then the Scriptures tell us what our duty is (Rom. 16:17, 18). A splendid opportunity is before the Shield ecclesias to remove stumbling blocks; a fine opportunity is before the Central ecclesias to meet such action by a willing response.