THEOLOGICAL STUDENTS

Press, Volume XC, Issue 27444, 2 September 1954, Page 7

THEOLOGICAL STUDENTS

Exchange Between N.Z And Britain Urged

DEAN SULLIVAN SPEAKS OVER 8.8. C.

(N.Z. Press Association—Copyright) LONDON, August 31. The hope that more theological students from Britain would visit New Zealand to gain experience of its religious life and thus be in a better position to interpret the Dominion outlook when they return to Britain, was expressed by the Dean of Christchurch (the Very Rev. Martin Sullivan) in a falk which he recorded for the 8.8. C. “We who live overseas have been sending some men to Britain not only to do university work, but also to live and move in Britain’s theological colleges,” said Dean Sullivan. “I hope we shall continue to do this, but. I wonder if now and again some adventurous students might think of coming to us. “It would give future clergy in Britain a truer, more sympathetic picture of the Church in lands so far away and in my own Church. Let him experience at first hand the real sense of world-wide Anglican communion. “Perhaps we nffight consider encouraging traffic to come our way and send back interpreters of our way of life to this older land.” Dean Sullivan said he believed people in England attended church in about the same numbers as they did in Australia and New Zealand. “People are not flocking to church, but there is a renewed interest in religion. People the world over are seeking a faith —they don’t always find it in a church—but they are prepared to hear the message.” Dean Sullivan said the training given theological students in New Zealand was similar to that in Britain, but without so many opportunities“Proximity to great universities means that students in Britain have the privilege of hearing the great theologians and thinkers at first hand. We rely solely on their books and miss the personal encounter,” he said.