A CHURCH PROBLEM.

Dominion, Volume 3, Issue 919, 12 September 1910, Page 8

A CHURCH PROBLEM.

CITS AND SUBURBAN CHURCHES. Sir,—Tho relation of those residing m a district to tho local church representing ' tho denomination to , which they belong requires prompt, careful attention. Individual preference and rights are fully recognised, respected, and guarded. The suburban.' church has been opened to meet the needs of residents, ajid is. cxpected to account for these. Hon' can it do. the work "and increase in strength' if those coming to the district or parish- do not, in some way, associate themselves with..the.local congregation? »

The difficulty is' greatest, as a rule/ ?ith .'suburban '■'churches nearer tho entro. Tlie improved tramway ser'ice renders it easier for local residents o attend the, city churches at least >nce a day. : Many do so, and. city iliurches thus draw to the centre, and ire also, well .attended by visitors. The rthers have only the local population. Non-church-going prevails. It, can 3e decreased by local effort. . The question 'is.asked,' if this distribution took place what would become of the fcral .city ; churches. 'Equally, one might-ask what: is. happening ■ now to some' suburban churches : with.retarded progress. ; Mutual 'keep, even<.to prac-tical,.self-denial, ■ would give ,a ■ needed, greatly-missed object-lesson. ; The "Daily. Mail" (London), July 9, tells, about '"the devouring-centre" ..in commercial' affairs. • A similar problem. affects nearer suburban.. ; churches. Many points require 'attention, .but your space'is valuable.' . Calm, earnest; co-operation is'needed -to: solve; this problem, .declamation ' and. bitterness, only confuse and hinder good am, etc.j: ''.'• ■ •.-■'■■. : -: \ .■'.;' ■'■■■ ■ "'■. '. PEOTBSTANT CHURCHMAN. : ■ . .Wellington,; Septembor.lo, .1910.....