"CHRISTIAN CITIZENSHIP” DEPARTMENT

White Ribbon, Volume 19, Issue 6, 1 July 1947, Page 2

"CHRISTIAN CITIZENSHIP” DEPARTMENT

Superintendent, Mi»* A. M McLay. Address Given at the Above School of Methods. The franchise is a citizenship right. It is a privilege and a responsibility. We should use it intelligenth. Women should take a great deal more intere>t in c'ections. Parliamentary claim our interest, but we should not neglect local, municipal, and licensing committee elections. Perhaps better men and women would be elected it Christian women took more interest.

The best work in the Citizenship Department that Unions could undertake is to train the young. There is an ero llent opportunity in the Baud of Hope and the L.T.L. These are splendid training places for Christian Citizenship. They are unique, and so comprehensive in their scope, i.e.—l. Evangelistic: To win children for Christ. Not merely a challenge to loyalty to Him. They need a personal Saviour—a Faith with a foundation.

2. Instruction given is definite. They are taught the facts about alcohol and the reasons for total abstinence.

3. Injurious effects of smoking are well taught, and instruction given on keeping the l>ody clean and fit. This knowledge is very necessary today. So many young people drink and smoke.

The Christian citizen must govern his actions by some standard. His business and social associations should bear the hallmark of his Christianity. Our Christianity must affect our life

here, just where we live. It is true that the best people of the ’and, irrespective of religious beliefs, are ready to take a stand for righteousness, but how far are they willing to fight for it 5 How many are prepared to translate Christian attitude into civic action 1 The first step is to show our colours, and the next step in getting somewhere is getting together in order to make our influence amount to something. Two of the great evils of our land. dr ; nk and gambling, are too liglitlv viewed by many so-called Christian today. How few church people are prepared to oppose the practice of tin use of intoxicating wine at a wedding breakfast, or even to refrain from drinking if they are guests ? How few, alas, are prepared to discountenance participation in raffh' and art unions, and other forms of gambling. Christians should set a much higher standard in their community associations. Members ought always t<> wear the Bow. —A. M. McLAY. —j#- j*_