CHURCH ETHICS

Hokitika Guardian, 19 June 1933, Page 8

CHURCH ETHICS

DANCES AND CARDS PRESBYTERIAN RULE SYDNEY, Juno 1. The New South Wales Presbyterian General Assembly has decided to refer to the presbyteries throughout the State,” for consideration and report to the next assembly, an overture from the committee on church, life and work, seeking } to amend rule 225 to provide that ministers, office-bearers and people of the Church should be enjoined not to permit' card-playing and dances, or “any questionable forms of amusement,'” to be used as a means of raising of money for Church purposes. .

This decision followed a spirted debate at the recent session in Sydney especially regarding the question of any distinction between public and private dancing. The assembly did not, in. consequence of its decisions, take action with regard to a further overture seeking to amend rule 225 as follows“ The Church cVs not condemn dancing r.r card-playing in s <> far as individual practice is concerned, but in view of the dangers which are often associated with those practices, and the desire of many parents to dissociate their children from complicity in. them, the Church forbids dancing 0 v card parties in any of its activities.” The Rev. C. A. White, in submitting the first of the two overtures seekingto amend rule 225, said that what was proposed would, if endorsed, strengthen the hands of those who were standing loyally by the things for which the Church stood. The assembly bad alreadv condemned the fltato. lottery. It could only do that if its hands wpi’p! clean in regard t 0 the matters of the review. The great majority of the people of the Church were fundamentally loyaj to it. in thege,'matters..

DANCES AT CHURCH SOCIALS The Rev. G., Scott: M ould you distinguish between a dance kcid solely to raise money for. a church and a church social at which there,was a dance?

Mr White said that, while dancing might not be approved by some in cither circumstance, there was clearly a distinction.

A voice : Does this assembly think it wrong for people to dance in their own homes or to play cards, at home ? (Laughter.) ‘ The Moderator (the Right Rev. D. F. Brandt):/It has not conic, to that yet. (Laughter.) v “ The Rev. A. R.McV.ittie, of Newcastle, said it would he unfortunate for—the assembly}- in the •fdoalL-hous© present that day, and in the' closing stage of the proceedings of the assembly, to come to a decision on such an important question. He moved: “That the overture lie on the .table, and that the matter be referred to the presbyteries for consideration, and with an instruction that they report regarding to the next assembly. Mr McVittie’s motion was seconded by the Rev. F. R.. Charnian.

Several speakers emphasised the distinction between dances and cards at a social evening and such functions aiming at raising money for the Church. Mr K. IV. Burton, of Junce, said that if the overture was adopted the assembly was in danger of making itself look exceedingly ridiculous in the eyes of the world. Dancing was to'be permitted in the home, for example, hut they must not raise money -by it. Surely they should lie permitted to raise money by any means that were fair and clean and above board. Tlie assembly would he acting very wisely if it adopted Mr McVittie’s motion.

A HUNDRED YEARS AGO

Dealing with the second overture, the, Rev. A .G. Grieve said that if it was adopted the Rev. Dr Macintyre would he prevented, for example, from allowing dancing to be taught to the boys in the Burnside Homes. (Laughter.)) They would also be,prevented from having dancing lessons, taught in schools and colleges. This particular overture he added, -would make their view of Christian morals narrower that that of another Church because, under it, they stated that one. must not dance at all. Was there any human action into Which some evil could not enter?

Quoting from an extract from a British publication, Mr Grieve referred to flic centenary celebration of a church in the north of England. This, ho said, showed that 100 years ago, strong measures were taken against preachers who wore trousers instead of knee breeches. Trousers were a worldlyvanity iiot to he tolerated. (Laughter.) Bint they read also in those records of spirituous refreshments for preachers who took tile Sunday afternoon meetings. (Laughter.)

Mr Cb'i .'vo,'precedin'*, said Hat possibly harm might come from dancing, hut it might also come from ponies and oilier activities without proper supervision. “Tf certain peo-nle.” lie added, “expended some of their energies in 'dancing, instead of thinking gloomy Houehtp they might he a good deal hotter off.”

'l’lie assembly finally adopted the decision as announced... , , T