CLERGY AND SOCIALISM.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXX, Issue 3784, 1 February 1908, Page 4

CLERGY AND SOCIALISM.

: Amongst the arrivals at Auckland by the Rippingham Grange, Was the Rev. C. W. Scott Moncrieff, M.A., who has been appointed warden' of St, John’s College, Tamaki, Auckland. Chatting with a press representative, the reverend gentleman imparted some interesting views on questions of lUonieuf in the religious world at Hope-. “Socialism is in the air at Home,” remarked Mr Scott Moncrieff., A year or two ago people refused to listen to the principles \of Socialism advocated in the streets. Now the subject commands a patient hearing, and there is no gainsaying the progress that it is steadily making in England. The 'reason is not hard to find. Social evils are such that any remedy is considered worth a trial, and the ethics of the Socialist suggest the easiest solving of the problem. ” On the subject of the ritualistic aspect, the reverend gentleman was somewhat reticent, but he stated that it was really remarkable how many High Church clergy are supporting the Socialistic movement. Besides the Christian Social Union which is pledged to study Christian views from a social point of view, there is also a Church Socialists’ Teague, and many ,of the clefgy are supporting the full Socialistic doctrine of collective ownership. Two or three members of the brotherhood at Mirfield, established by the Bishop of Birmingham, are avowed Socialists, and the question is one over which there is a perfect turmoil.”

“ Within the last two years,” added Mr Scott Moncrieff, “ several friends of mine who are clergy, have become definite Socialists.”