Proceedings (Blue book), 1974

Min. 45. The Right Rev. Neil Macleod read the following Dissent and Protest: "I crave to leave to DISSENT and I PROTEST that clause 1 and now clause 3 of this resolution just passed in unacceptable to those of us who in conscience cannot enter this union: and I lay on the table this PROTEST on behalf of those who elect to remain in the PResbyterian Church of Australia. "In humble dependence on God's grace and the aid of the Holy Spirit. and maintianing the confession of Faith and Standards of the Church as hiterto understoo; it shall be lawful for us to adopt such measures as may be competent to us, for the continuance of the Presbyterian Church in Australia, to the advancement of God's glory, the extension of the Gospel of our Lord and Saviour throughout the world, and the orderly administration of Christ's House according to His Holy Word. "And we finally PROTEST before the Great God, Searcher of all hearts that we, and all that adhere to us, are not responsible for this schism in the Church or for any consequence which may flow from this enforced separation. "In humble submission to His Will we give this our testimony. To Him we commit our cause, and we pray that in the days to come, His richest blessing may rest upon the Chur h of our fathers, which Church we are resolved by His help to maintain. "And I invite all those who adhere to this PROTEST, since there is not room in this place for two assemblies, to follow me to another place, namely 46 Russell Street, "The Amethyst Hall", where we the continuing General Assembly of Australua shall resume the sittings of this House. Of olden times that Bush flamed—nec tamen consumebatur. Let no one say that We here stamped on the Ashes of that fire. (Dissenters may sign at the "other place" and these will appear in minutes.)"

After the reading of this Dissent and Protest some 20 members followed the Rt. Rev. Neil Macleod out of the Assembly to 46 Russell Street.