THE SPIRITUAL FRONT

Evening Star, Issue 23695, 1 October 1940, Page 6

THE SPIRITUAL FRONT

OFFICE-BEARERS' GATHERING At the invitation of the minister ancf office-bearers of Knox Church the officebearers of All Saints’, Hanover Street Baptist, Hundas Street Methodist, and United Congregational Churches met m the Stuart Hall last evening for a fellowship gathering. In welcoming the office-bearers front the churches of the parish area the Rev* D. 0. Herron (Knox Church) stressed the need • for the spirit of friendliness in the community to-day, when tha foundations of life for many were being shattered. Especially was thia spirit needed among the Christian churches, all working on a common task. Dr J. D. Salmond, joint convener of the Mission of Friendship Committee* pointed out that the great majority of the people in the parish area professed some church affiliation, though a considerable number bad no vital contact) with any church. There was much religious indifference and apathy in : tin* community, a fact which was occasioning all churches concern. He pointed out that the work of the churches was interdependent and was helped or hindered by the general spiritual tone of? the community. He said that laymen: had a special responsibility for tha standards of the community. “As well as fighting an external enemy,” said the speaker, “ we are up against tha enemy of Godlessness, of moral ‘ fift!* columnism,’ within our own gates.”! Ho urged laymen to put as much| thought into the application of Christianity to their lives as they did. toi achieving success in business. Mr D. K. M'Donald (Knox Church)* opening a discussion on the theme 1 Tha Work of Laymen To-day,’ pointed oufi that the best ally of atheism was a Christian who professed, but did not) practise. Mr G. M. Luke (Knox Church)[ pointed out the work laymen could da in the life of the community. The extension of religious exercises and teaching in the public schools showed that) the community was awakening to tha need for Christian teaching and the recognition of God in human life. He declared that laymen on public bodies had a great, opportunity for relating Christian principles to public affaire. Mr W. J. Strong (All Saints’) conveyed the good wishes of Sir James Allen, who declared himself in full sympathy with auy move to promote fellowship among the Christian churches. Mr Strong quoted a recent utterance of the Bishop of Wellington, who /declared that New Zealand must break down the division between tha secular and the religious in education. “The Divine rights of secularism,”! quoted the speaker, “ have had frea sway long enough in onr New Zealand education.” Mr J. M‘lndoe (Dundas Streeti Methodist) stressed the need for interchurch co-operation. Dr _ Charles North (Hanover Street) Baptist) pointed out the need for a laymen’s ministry of sympathy. Whet* trouble came to homes the women were always there. He also declared that the child life of the community was a matter of great concern to all Christian men. Mr J. Abernethy (United Congregational) stressed particularly the need for winning the young to Christ and the church. “ More men,” said 'Mr* Abernethy, “ should be at work in our; Sunday schools.” He went on to say that Christians are not living to tha limit of the resources available. The ladies of Knox Church provided supper, during which an opportunity was given to all present for conversation and fellowship. Rev. J. _Ewen Simpson (Hanoveti Street Baptist) brought the evening to a close with worship and special prayer for the nation in her hour of need.