CHURCH FINANCE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 3703, 13 October 1927, Page 3

CHURCH FINANCE.

QUESTIONABLE METHODS

“OFFERINGS TO GOD.”,

Christchurch, Yesterday.

The end does not justify the means in the matter of raising church funds, according to Bishop West-Watson. In his address to the Diocesan Synod yesterday aftenioon, his Lordship said that there had been much discussion as to methods of raising church funds, and there was legitimate scope for difference of opinion. “I cannot agree with my friends who rule out entertainments, bazaars, etc., altogether; but if once they become the mainstay instead of auxiliary, they will become a hindrance anti not a help. .1 have been seriously disturbed by reports which have reached me during the year of other methods which I must think no 4; only inadvisable, but almost demoralising.” It was very difficult for the clergy to resist the well-meant but ill-con-sidered schemes of enthusiastic parishioners, he said. The whole idea of church finance needed to be lifted on to a higher level, and an offering should be regarded as primarily one to God, and made with the same reverence as that which marked the sacrificial gifts of old. Such offering was part of the essential religious life of eveiy Chiistian man or woman, and its place could not be taken by casual participation in indirect methods.