| Description | This Presidential Address was delivered by Elizabeth Taylor Cadbury at the annual conference of the National Free Church Council held in 1925. In her address Taylor Cadbury considers the origins and history of the National Free Church Council, remarking that she had been present at tmeetings which led to the founding of the Council in the late nineteenth century. Taylor Cadbury examines the meaning and importance of friendship between the churches in 'social, civic, national and international life', which required 'consideration, forbearance, toleration, humility, respect, admiration' and 'intelligence'.
Taylor Cadbury refers to the positive basis of union amongst the Nonconformist churches which included common memories of religious ancestors and their struggles 'to fight for freedom to worship God according to their own convictions', remarking on the inspiration of the past. She also considers the common methods of Christian work and worship which they shared.
In a section headed 'Our Common Aim', Taylor Cadbury states that the basis of friendship went beyond memories and methods. She suggests that the union between Nonconformist churches rested on their common aim of presenting 'the Gospel of Jesus Christ' to the world, as well as their shared understanding of fundamental truths such as the importance of the personal relationship between the individual soul and God. Taylor Cadbury writes 'we believe that this is a Gospel which not only redeems our soul from destruction, but a Gospel which, if truly accepted and practised, could solve our Social, Industrial and International Problems'. Taylor Cadbury concludes her address remarking on the importance of spiritual inspiration in work towards reform in housing, industry and international affairs. |