DR. DONALD SOPER VISITING N.Z.

Press, Volume XCII, Issue 27753, 2 September 1955, Page 9

DR. DONALD SOPER VISITING N.Z.

View On Controversial Questions “NOTHING WRONG WITH SUNDAY SPORT” (New Zealand, Press Association) AUCKLAND, September 1. “There is nothing wrong with organised sport on Sundays unless it interferes with the well-being of the ' community. Minority religious bodies . have no right to impose their views on the community unless its well-being , is threatened,” said the Rev. Donald • Soper, the British Methodist church- • man, who arrived in Auckland last l night for a month’s visit to New Zeat land at the invitation of the Metho-

dist Church. . . In an interview this morning, Dr. Soper said he doubted whether therq was a religious revival throughout the world, expressed his doubts on the value of the work of the ousader, BUly GrAham- and spoke forthrightly on the problems of Russia, Cyprus, Malta and Gibraltar. Asked if he agreed with moves to organise Sunday sport in New Zealand, Dr. Soper said there was nothing wrong with the idea if it did not mean that people had to give up their leisure time on Sunday. But he felt that if it meant that people had tor work, the move would “cut its own throat” emphasised that there was nothing Wong with playing sport on Sunday- . . He said that there was no religious

revival in the world at the moment Such a revival could come only with more honesty in every sphere of life. Dr. Soper said he had no doubts about the personal sincerity of Billy Graham. man has increased interest in religion—if only temporarily—but he had caused no religious revival,” he said. “His audiences have been almost exclusively church or near-church people. Billy Graham has not touched the outsider. His methods are not the answer, but rather a flash in the pan.” Dr. Soper, who visited Russia recently, said that in 15 days it was impossible to get a true picture of that country. But he believed that within the confines of power politics the Russians were as genuine as most countries in their wish for peace.

He said that the present Russian rulers were gradually whittling away the stature of Stalin. It was possible that before long, Stalin would be denounced.

Dr. Soper is in favour of enosis—the union of Cyprus with Greece. He also stands firm on his previous statements that Britain should get out of Gibraltar and Malta. “Our occupation of these places is part of an old, outdated imperial policy,” he said. He added that Britain could not get out unless a better regime or government could take its place.