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Appendix B-2: Uniting Act 1901

Whereas the Presbyterian Church of Otago and Southland, through its Synod, and the Presbyterian Church of New Zealand, through its General Assembly, have agreed to enter upon an incorporating union upon the basis and terms expressed and set forth in the Minutes of the Proceedings of the said Synod for the year 1900, and in a certain agreement in writing, dated the 30th day of April, 1901, and signed by the respective Moderators of the said Churches;

 

And whereas in this month of October, 1901, the Synod of the Presbyterian Church of Otago and Southland and the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of New Zealand, having approved the form of a Uniting Act, and having severally taken all the steps necessary for the consummation of the Union on the terms and basis agreed upon, have resolved to meet together for that purpose, and are now met accordingly;

 

Now, therefore, the Synod of the Presbyterian Church of Otago and Southland and the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of New Zealand thus met, desire first of all to express their devout thankfulness to the Great Head of the Church for guiding this movement to a successful issue, humbly acknowledge their entire dependence on the mercy of God for all the happy results which they hope for in connection with it, and entreat the Divine blessing on the step now to be taken, and on all the congregations and people under their charge;

 

And the Synod of the Presbyterian Church of Otago and Southland and the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of New Zealand empowered as aforesaid, do hereby in terms and in pursuance of the deliverance of their respective Church Courts, enact, ordain, and declare:

1)     That the Presbyterian Church of Otago and Southland as heretofore existing, and the Presbyterian Church of New Zealand as heretofore existing, do and shall henceforth constitute one united Church henceforth to be known by the name of The Presbyterian Church of New Zealand.

2)     That the Synod of the Presbyterian Church of Otago and Southland, and the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of New Zealand, shall, immediately upon the passing of this Uniting Act, form the first General Assembly of the United Church, and may do and authorise all things necessary or convenient to be done, with a view to the orderly inauguration and conduct of the affairs of the United Church, and in consistency with the terms of Union agreed upon.