COMMUNITY’S MORALS.

Taranaki Daily News, 10 May 1922, Page 5

COMMUNITY’S MORALS.

AND SUNDAY OBSERVANCE, ANGLICAN SYNOD’S VIEWS. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Auckland, May 9. Comments upon the moral condition of the community were contained in a report of the sessional committee on social services, presented to the Anglican General Synod to-day by Bishop Sedgwick. “That there are grave reasons for disquiet none can doubt,” stated the report, “and those who have the best opportunity of judging are the foremost in warning u« that all is not well with our children and young people.”

The committee suggested that Synod should initiate a movement of earnest prayer in every parish. It was felt that there was need for reform in the presentation of Christianity. They needed an enlightened view of Sunday observance, which, while emphasising the duty and j<jy of worship, would recognise reasonable demands for recreation on the weekly day of rest. Again the cause of purity would be praised up by more definite teaching about the reverence due to the body as the temple of the Holy Ghost, and about the sacrednsM of all bodily functions as God’s provision for the carrying out of His own purposes. It had also to be admitted that many of the things which they deplored were a mistaken expression of a God-given instinct for beauty and romance.

The committee called upon the clergy, teachers and other leaders of the Church to emphasise these points and to seek, notdK) much to repress, but rather to sanctifXi the primitive instincts of butnanity. Auckland, Last Night. The Synod concluded to-night. The chairman of the sessional coxntaMk tee on social services (Bishop Sedgwick)! moved “that Synod records itsfeonviction that while repressive measures h*w» their place in checking the social evils of the day, the effective remedy xnuot be positive and spiritual, and therefore calls upon chnrchpeople (1) to support every effort which strives after a higher moral, intellectual and spiritual standard in the life of the nation; and (2)' to pray daily that the Holy Spirit may; sanctify the souls and bodies of the people of the Dominion.” The Rev. H. Parata. (Dunedin) move 4 as an amendment, by way of additions “that churchpeople be called upon to initiate, where possible, intercessory services for citizens.”

The amendment was lost on the voice* and the motion carried by acclamation* The next meeting will be at Dunedin* in 1925.