CHURCH AND WAR

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2884, 23 September 1916, Page 10

CHURCH AND WAR

Sir,—ln the crisis through which our nation, in. common with others, is passing, there is unmistakable evidence that our people are taking more interest in the things that count most in life, and are awakening to the value of more serious thought on the deeper questions affecting humanity. The call for sacrifice has deeply stirred the nation, and one result of the consequent universal feeling of sympathy has been a longing for light on dark places. All eyes have naturally turned to our "leaders in the various sphores—political, military, scientific; etc. —and the statements and opinions of these men have never been more eagerly sought after or more closely followed, than at the,present time. For this reason the Bishop of Wellington's sermon, to which prominence, was given recently in your columns, was most opportune. Ranged alongside the opinions of our leading statesmen and journalists have been reported those of tho Bishop of London (Dr. J Ingram) and like dignitaries, and there is evidence that the Church is at last realising the dignity and responsibilities of its position. There is no doubt that in some respects the Church in tho past has failed lamentably, and in consequence has been looked upon with disfavour by a large section of the community. It cannot be denied, however, that the ranks of the clergy contain many learned and clear-brained men, and in England in particular their, sermons are receiving marked attention.- Bearing this in mind, it seems to me that the present is a most opportune time for the Church to endeavour to clear away much of the misunderstanding and prejudice which surrounds it. The public is, on the whole, fair-minded, and would welcome clear statements and opinions on momentous questions such as the Bishop has recently so ably handled. Were the Church to appoint a few of its admittedly able men to give occasional public, addresses on. the Church's thought and attitude on national. and social questions, the Church and the public would alike benefit. Educational lectures by our leading citizens have been in demand since the • war commenced, and have' been greatly appreciated; and the addition of clerical lecturers would do much to dispel the harmful effects- .if the_ Church's coming under the public notice-only in the prejudicial light of bitter controversy. The Church has accomplished splendid work amongst the soldiers, and if the Bishop were to repeat some of his addresses in the Town Hall, there can be no doubt that they would bo attended and listened to with great 'interest by. a very large audienco of non-churchgoers. Trusting that this 'wggixitwm will receive due consideration from those interested,—l am, etc., LUMEN.