THE CHURCH AND DANCING.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2134, 17 July 1907, Page 2

THE CHURCH AND DANCING.

IS IT DEMORALISING? DISCUSSION IN THE SYNOD. Is dancing demoralising? This was the bone of contenion at the Diocesan Synod in Wellington recently. But it did not arouse much verbal conflict, most of the members apparently being sorry that the matter had been introduced. Tho Rev. A. E. Worsley opened the debate by moving as follows“ Thai this synod deprecates the association of dancing with any method adopted for raising funds for the work of the Church throughout the Diocese.” It was with some reluctance, he said, that he felt the necessity laid upon him. In his district he had had a severe battle to fight, and he was endeavoring, by the motion in question, to check wliat was referred to. It did not need much thought to understand that tlia' wbich was a common feature in many colonial districts could not he in the highest interests of tlie Church. Those who were endeavouring to do their part in the winning of souls had their hands somewhat tied when dancing was associated with the work of the Church. He conscientiously’ felt that it could not be for the true interest of their work. If they invited clergymen to come out from Home, and told them 'that they had such a thing associated with the Church, he thought those gentleman would say: “It is not much use coming; we should try and raise them up, and you to immediately to lower them again.” By associating such measures with the Church they’ were really hanging a milestone round its neck; in his own case it had taken a great deal of heart and hope out of him. The weapons of their warfare should lie spiritual, not carnal. “Dancing may ho quite innocent’, or it may the reverse, but are we, as shepherds of our flock, quite convinced in our own minds that there is no possibility of people being led into temptation b.v this form of amusement?” said the Rev. 11. J. Deane •n seconding the motion. Clergymen ■hould be very careful not to shatter the high ideal members of the Church had formed of them by countenancing any form of amusement that could be held in the slightest decree objectionable. °

1 lie Rev. C. C. Harper said lie was * one of those who thought it a very great pity that such a motion hail been brought down. He bad just as ■ much right to his opinion as had Mr. Horsley to his, and he was perfectL’ convinced, from his experience in England and New Zealand, that dancing was not harmful. Mr. Worsley’s exjierience must have been very narrow. Personally, be had found that an immense amount of good was done bv the Church m associating and controlling meetings for the purpose of dancing. To assume that those who were doing so had not the best interests of the Church at heart was not right, and if the motion was passed it would condemn a very large body. Therefore he moved that the synod proceed to tho next order of the day. “Does anybody second that? If so I. wi-i put it without further discussion,” said Bishop Wallis. The Rev. E. T. W. Bond seconded Mr. Harper s motion, which was carried, with some dissentients. Synod then passed on to other business.