THE STATE AND YOUTH

Press, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 23798, 18 November 1942, Page 5

THE STATE AND YOUTH

NATIONAL MOVEMENT I DISCUSSED . METHODIST DELEGATES’ FEARS Fears of the effect of a suggested national youth movement were expressed by speakers at last evening’s session of the North Canterbury District Synod in Christchurch., It was felt by some delegates that, unless the churches themselves initiated similar organisations, they would be forestalled by the Government. Finally, . it was resolved, by a vote of 27 to 17 to refer back to the local and district youth councils for further consideration a report from the Youth Department which advocated the incorporating of all Methodist youth societies within one movement. The youth board had reported that it had carefully considered the aims and organisation of youth work within the Methodist Church, and it was considered that the times called for a thorough consolidation of existing work and the provision of means for a forward move. It was, therefore, believed that a Christian youth movement (Methodist) should be inaugurated, and a suggested constitution was submitted for consideration by Synods and Conference. The scheme was advocated by the youth director (Mr M. A. McDowell), who said that the problem was to conserve the youth of the Church. ‘‘The Church seems to have lost its appeal for many of our young people,” he declared. ‘‘There seems to be a sort of creeping paralysis. This must be combated. Many young people don’t care a snap of the fingers for the Church.” The situation, he continued, was not entirely the result of the war. There* was indifference in the homes, and. in addition there were influences outside that catered for the pleasures of youth. The problem of juvenile delinquency was more serious than some people imagined, and its indications or otherwise could not be estimated correctly by statistics. What was required, in his opinion, was a more religious attitude on the part of youth towards life, and that could be inculcated only by the churches. Mr A. Dingwall, of the Youth Council, said there was a danger of the Church being catapulted into a scheme simply through fear of the suggested national youth movement. Any scheme inaugurated by the churches, he declared, could never be competitive. “If there is to be a youth movement within the Church,” he added, "you must have the co-operation of the young people themselves, and they must first be consulted,” The Rev. R. Dudley said he was afraid of the Government’s scheme. He had been led to believe that if a Church organisation were already in existence, the Government might exempt it from its own scheme. “That would certainly be an advantage,” he added. “Otherwise, unattached Methodist youth will have to fall in line with the National Youth Movement." Other churches, said Mr Dudley, were seriously concerned. If the Methodist scheme was referred back to the youth councils, it would probably mean a delay of a year. The Rev. E. Drake: Have we not a youth movement already? I do not think wo need increased organisation. The existing situation should be able to deal with any situation that is likely to arise. Let us carry on with the job. That is what the existing youth movement set out to do. The Rev. E. E. Sage, who said he was opposed to regimentation and bureaucratic control, saw no immediate dahger. At the same time, he said, he, too, was afraid of the St’ate movement, which 'would have resources to-attract young people against which the Church could not possibly compete. On a vote being taken, it was decided to defer the proposal to establish a Methodist youth movement for further consideration.