Young Anglican Movement Launched in City

Manawatu Times, Volume 69, Issue 60, 14 March 1944, Page 6

Young Anglican Movement Launched in City

“What does it mean to be Christian? It means more than fighting for Christian civilisation; it means bringing one's whole life within the circle of Christian ideas. And that is what the Young Anglican j Movement exists for —to bring the whole life within the circle of Christian ideas. So shall we make the Kingdom of God come true; so when all the fighting is over, in the faith of Christ we shall build a better world. With this ideal before them there was a rally of the youth of the parishes of All Saints’, St. Peter’s, Marton and Ashhurst in the Parish Hall on Sunday afternoon to launch the Young Anglican Movement in the city. Rev. Canon G. Y. Woodward presided and introduced the speakers. He expressed appreciation in the attendance of Rt. Rev. St. Barbe Holland, Bishop of Wellington, to launch the movement, also Mr. 11. G. Miller, M.A.. of Wellington. Quoting Thomas Hardy, “if way to the better there be exacts a good look at the worst,” Mr. Miller said lie could say as far as the Church of England was concerned there was plenty of room for improvement. The present mission started with a challenge to the individual member to become an example. When they had created a few hundred they would have begun to affect the well-being of the country. It was proposed to do a few things and do them well. The movement was not going to be a rival to other Church groups, but rather a common meeting ground for all groups and a centre of inspiration for all activities in and out of the Church. Each member would be required to make a rule of life —simple things to do from a religious motive and at all costs stick to the rule. Provision would be made to train leaders on the fundamentals of religion not only in the Church but in the whole of life around us. The Church of England had been a great force in the life of the British people and, the speaker suggested, had created the English character. Membership must be a real and exciting thing moulding people to be honest and unafraid ol' all truth. One of the weaknesses in New Zealand was the neglect of intellectual things and public discussion characterised by dishonest and slovenly speaking. He counselled those present to be honest and unafraid of the truth and increase the influence of their church. Supporting speakers were Mr. John Moxon who proclaimed his reasons for belief in the movement that its members must be sincere in their efforts and have interest in the Christian life. It was said of modern youth they were not so interested in religion as they should be. The Young Anglican Movement had brought the realisation that united under one banner they could go forward in strength. It offered, everything that was decent in life and true fellowship and put to the test, that life was perfect. Miss Beryl Barkwith affirmed the challenge to youth who were daily being criticised and in turn criticised others. Here were the highest ideals for daily life and work and links with other groups working similarly. A Christian life would bring confidence and a realisation of the needs of others and it was an encouragement to know that many others were working to make the world a better place. ; Rev. P. H. Warren, chairman of the committee organising the inaugural rally. L said he felt the movement would help to,; make the words, “Who is lie, that li might know Him?” come true in the lives | of all its members. Through it they could j know Christ as a living person and power. and the charter pointed the way. The Y.A..M. brand of Christian would draw | power supremely on one day which, would flow over all the rest of the days of the week. Summing up the remarks of the speakers, Bishop Holland said young Anglicans making their decision would find it a ' milestone in their lives. There was a big purpose behind the movement and great possibilities for the future spreading out. to the ends of the earth. They would be a great band of young Anglicans fired l with the desire to build a better world. ; His Lordship read to the gathering part of a recent broadcast by Dr. Temple, Archbishop of Canterbury, “if we are going to have a new and better i\orld, wo must have new and better men no,, wc must be new men and only God can make us new men,” and that was the 1 idea behind the movement. His Lordships remarks (reported fully in jesterday’s “Times”) were followed with deep interest. . , Rev. F. S. Ramson, vicar of St. Peter s, « thanked the Bishop and the meeting con- « eluded with prayer. Later all the young people enjoyed 1 their evening meal together before going to evensong in All Saints’ Church, at which Bishop Holland was the preacher.