CALL TO CHURCH

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 243, 11 September 1940, Page 9

CALL TO CHURCH

WITNESS IN CRISIS. MEETING THE CHALLENGE. “We arc in one of tlie most critical eras of civilisation and we have to realise that unless we stabilise Christianity we are going to lose all we hold dear. The Juggernaut is at work. Though we may be on opposite sides of the house politically and ecclesiastically, we have to draw together and launch a blitzkrieg on the devil, or morality is doomed,” declared the President of the Methodist Conference (Rev. L. B. Neale, of Dunedin), in an address to a combined men’s gathering at St. Paul’s Church last evening, in counselling increased vitality in religious life to meet the challenge of the times.

In all parts of the Dominion, Mr Neale asserted, Communists were holding Sunday schools and tagging out city areas for the spread of their philosophy, presenting a challenge that must be met. “I am appealing to you to get down to the job of leadership,” ho added. “In my opinion we have a squint-eyed authority over us—it is not broad enough for this Dominion. . . . We must draw together the scattered elements of the Christian Church and shoulder our burden. If there is such a thing as brotherhood and fellowship we must give evidence of it ourselves. Sometimes there is in a public house more true fellowship than in a church.” “We are all facing a very intense day, and we should be very embracing in our sympathies and very tolerant in our thoughts,” said Mr Neale when addressing a subsequent united gathering. Ho expressed the view that Methodists should “go in for Gospel statesmanship”—not indoctrination of the masses, but a witness of the work of Christianity in life. Instead of a “lot of grumbling, squealing, and criticising” there should bo a frank proclamation of Christian ethics. Amid all the destructive “isms” of the day there was a clamant call for stewardship and discipleship, in money as well as service. One-third of the teaching of Christ was against covetousness — possessions possessing one’s self. If time and energy were tithed, there would not be a vacant seat in the church, and jumble sales and barrow fairs would be a thing of the past. In the Centennial Year there had been gifts on all sides, but no great gift for the Kingdom of God, and the speaker sought a response. In a striking address. Air Neale stressed the prime importance of placing full emphasis on the great convictions of religion in ordinary life. Associated with Air Neale during the service wore Rev. C. Eaton and Rev. IT. L. Fiebig. A combined choir under the baton of Air H. T. Pitcher added greatly to the effectiveness of the service.