FOR AND AGAINST: Different Agendas
Document 6

Support for Federation was also offered by existing institutions such as the Churches.

SUPPORT FROM THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

…The Rev. Dr Rentoul moved the following deliverance:

"The Commission of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in Victoria has watched, with much interest and pleasure, the progress of the movement for federation of the colonies of the continent of Australia and of Tasmania into one Australian Commonwealth, under the British flag, and in loyalty to the unity of the British Empire.

"The commission hails with gladness the hope of the speedy realisation of this noble aim.

"The Commonwealth Bill defining and safeguarding Australian unity, seems to the commission to be, in its main substance, statesmanlike, liberal, and just, evincing a regard for the rights of all classes of the citizens, and combining the two necessary principles of states rights, including their local liberties, voicing themselves in the Senate, and national unity voicing itself in the House of Representatives.

"The commission expresses its satisfaction that the Commonwealth Bill reverently acknowledges the dependence of the nation upon God.

"The commission, in keeping with the consistent loyalty of the Presbyterian Church to the national well-being, and to the rights and freedom of the people, commends the bill to the favourable consideration of the Presbyterian electors, and hopes that, while preserving their own individual liberty of view and action, they will as heretofore, bear their part in building up a great national life and brotherhood. The commission appoints Sunday, the 22nd inst. as Federal Sunday, and instructs that on that day prayers should be made from all the pulpits of the church for God's furtherance and guidance in the movement for Australian unity. The commission earnestly hopes that ultimately some adequate provision will be made by the Federal Parliament for the highest well-being of the aboriginal people of Australia, so long as the aborigines continue in existence". He fervently commended the bill to the best support of the church ministers and adherents. The deliverance did not bind them to every principle in the bill but the committee believed that they were voicing the opinions of the church generally in expressing approval of the measure.

The Rev. S. G. McLaren seconded the adoption of the deliverance, which was unanimously agreed to.

Argus, Melbourne, 5 May 1898, cited in Scott Bennett (ed.), Federation Cassell Australia, North Melbourne, 1975, pp. 48-9.