FULL CHURCHES.

Press, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20545, 13 May 1932, Page 14

FULL CHURCHES.

.. -♦*— — '< REVIVAL IN SYDNEY, E VERY-DAY TOPICS. (teom ou* pin co*B«sPOKDJurr.? SYDNEY, May 5. Crowded churches are the rule every Sunday in Sydney these days, and while some people are : inclined to attribute this to a distinct religious revival of a definite and lasting character, others say that it is due to the fact that the preachers are choosing every-day topics having a direct bearing on the life of the community.' Members of the latter school of thought certainly have ample evidence on which to base their argument. Politics &te more than ever the subject of pulpit references and in some quarters' this is deeply regretted by those who foresee the danger of dividing church-goers into groups with definite political leanings. It is considered that the church should remain free of political colour, but those who favour the modern trend say that politics play so Important a part that the church cannot, and should not ignore them. Most of the preachers in Sydney now possess very decided opinions on the big issues of the day, and these are discussed freely from the pulpit every Sunday. The nature of modern sermons was well exemplified in Sydney last Sunday when numerous clergymen dealt with those grave questions which are exercising the minds of the people of New South Wales. Here, for instance, is what the Eev. James Green, of Wesley Church, William street, said: Nobody dare say that Mr Lang's policy is righteous. Sane democracy never repudiates its obligations. Eepudiation is insane, because it infects industry and trade with suspicion and fear. Ultimately- the wheels of industry cease to revolve, ships are tiedj up, and money does not circulate. For democracy to destroy its own credit is insane, for credit is the life-blood of commerce. tf democracy has failed, it is because it is so easily bribed—reven by pro* raises. Stirring of Conscience. Then there is the Kev. J. Robertson, at the Petersham Baptist Church. "From the terrible crisis We are passing through^—from this crucifcion 'of our National lifts—will arise a new societyand, a more Godly nation. Knowing as

■wealth <md Btx^eg^^H^^H conscience in and being Let us not despt^^^^HH would hare H P^lljN^^^H grip of the look him in the defied the law.'. the church ever mfcdffii^^^H OathoUc We*)«|^HH| aented by at'st. Mary's ences, but there-WW -jHH^^I but certain