PULPIT VOICES.

Auckland Star, Volume LXI, Issue 140, 16 June 1930, Page 5

PULPIT VOICES.

ANGLICAN CHURCH RALLY.

"RELIGION NOT ON TRIAL."

"MOKE WARMTH" IN SERVICES,

In order to sustain and increase interest in social activities of the Church of England in the Auckland Diocese, a mass rally was held at the Town Hall last night, when every seat was occupied. The music was led by a united choir, assisted by an orchestra, which was conducted by the Rev. Jasper Calder. Prior to the opening of the service, Mr. Ewart Lyne gave a recital on the organ. The processional hymn was very effective as the clergy in their robes, and choristei-s bearing tanners inscribed with the names of ■church organisations, marched slowly up to the stage through the crowded congregation. The vkar-general of the diocese, Archdeacon G. MacMurray, presided, and the Rev. Kenneth MacFarland led the prayers.

The Rev. G. C. Cruickshank said the Church was not a policeman waiting to catch people in the wrong. It was not tremendously interested in a man's past, but was rather seeking his cooperation for the future. The need to be up and doing in order not to be down and out was just-as pressing in the spiritual life as it was in every day existence. The Rev. W. Averill asked those who- said the Christian faith was no good to remember that it was not the faith but themselves who were on trial. To-day men and women were in many cases satisfied with a mere caricature of religion, and it was that caricature that was being criticised. Religion had proved itself on its trial by doing more than anything else in the world to revolutionise society. Those who wanted to criticise the faith should first take the trouble'to study it-fully for themselves. Mr. Calder said that the corporate life of the Church would be very, much improved if the congregations, as well as the clergy, could only overcome a fault which was commonly described as "Anglican stodginess." Much that could be done rested with the congregations themselves, who were to blame as much as, if not more than, the clergy, for the painful good behaviour which characterised the Church. Mr. Calder made it clear he considered the dignity and ritual of the Church should be preserved, but said it would be more in keeping with the spirit of Christianity if a little more warmth could be infused into ordinary occasions of religious' activity. Vocal solos were sung by Miss Laura : Walker and Mr. Lan Devereux. The choir sang "The Hallelujah Chorus" and "In Humble Faith."