THREAT TO CHURCH.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIX, Issue LXIX, 21 September 1938, Page 12

THREAT TO CHURCH.

COMMENT BY BISHOP.

CHALLENGE OF PAGANISM

(By Telegraph.—Own Correspondent.) WELLLIXGTON", Tuesday. "The Chuich appears to be slipping altogether in New Zealand, to be slipping over ttie precipice into oblivion," said the Bishop of Wellington, the Rt. Rev. H. St. Barbe Holland, in his presidential address to the Dominion conference of the Church of Kngland Men's Society, which was opened in Wellington to-day. The bishop's remarks were made in conjunction with an appeal to members of the society to rouse the Church against the danger that threatened it.

"The Church is being challenged today more than ever before, and it is in reality 'Christ or Paganism'," he said. "Unless the Chun-h can make a more forward move one is afraid for the future of this Dominion, not only the Church, but also the nation. A short time ago Great Britain went off the gold standard. I hope you will help to keep New Zealand on the Christian standard."

The Dominion council's report stated that the estimated numerical strength of the society was 651, made up as follows:—Auckland, 80; Waikato, 210; Waiapu, 80; Wellington, 190; Nelson, 25; Christchurch, 30; Dunedin. 36. This' represents an increase over the previous year of eight branches and 120 members.

Officers for the ensuing year were elected as follows:—Vice-presidents, Archdeacon J. D. Russell (Oamaru) and Mr. J. Snell ("Wellington); secretary Mr. C. B. Goddard (Wellington); Dominion treasurer, Mr. R. H. O. Caldwell; auditor, Mr. R. H. Reaney; council, Archdeacon A. L. Hansell (Karori), the Revs. F. M. Kempthorne (Karori), E J. Rich (Masterton), F. C. Long (Wellington) and R. Liggins (Wellington), Mr. H. G. Sergei (Hamilton) and Mr. A. E. Robinson (Carterton); executive committee, the Revs. F. M. Kempthorne and F. C. Long. r