Rise Of Young People A Church Phenomenon

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29389, 16 December 1960, Page 16

Rise Of Young People A Church Phenomenon

The Chancellor of Liverpool Cathedral (the Rev. Canon C. B. Naylor), who will be here until March On a virtual “exchange” of duties with the Dean of Christchurch (the Very Rev. Martin Sullivan), considers that the rise of young people in church affairs is a notable phenomenon of the last decade. Canon Naylor has a long-standing interest in youth, having lectured in thedlogy at Oxford University for 10 years and in his present position he is in charge of “younger clergy”—supervising their studies, giving some lectures, and advising them .on pastoral work.

Complementsing recent trends were courses for clergy being held in Liverpool on youth work and being attended by ministers of all churches, including Roman Catholics, Canon Naylor said on his arrival last evening. With such full support it was possible to enlist successful practitioners (both clergy and laymen and women) to lead the courses. Every phase of youth activity was thus covered by experts.

Such a massiv J programme was properly merited because of the ' large numbers of young people—ls to 20 years—now attending all the churches, Canon Naylor said. In some places they formed a substantial part of congregations and a gratifying feature was their strong attendance at evening services. By catering for them in lively religious instruction, physical training, cultural activities, hobbies, and crafts, and outdoor exercises, camps, and conferences, it was hoped to hold their interest. Dropping Away

“Unfortunately,” said Canon Naylor, “there has been a tendency for people to drop away from The churches in their twenties—perhaps because of other interests or new home responsibilities —and then come back in their thirties and forties.” The churches had a challenge to hold the twenties group. Another recent development in Liverpool and elsewhere was training of clergy in “clinical theology.” Most of those he knew had instruction from one of England’s finest psychologists (Dr. Frank Lake), who was serving about 20 dioceses in this way. “Generally we in the churches are becoming more and more aware of the wholeness of life—body, mind, and spirit must all be considered,” said Canon Naylor. “So the doctor, the psychologist, and the parson are working more closely together, and each is trying to get some understanding of all that the others encounter.”

Clergymen studying “clinical theology” did not pretend to re-

lieve cases of nervous or mental trouble. “But it is important for them to be able to recognise these symptoms, as distinct from ordinary troubles,” said Canon Naylor. “At the same time, clergymen completing the course have said how greatly work in their own special field is helped by better understanding of the human personality.” Canon Naylor expects to take over a major share of Dean Sullivan’s duties and gain some insight into the New Zealand character and the problems and the achievements of the Dominion. There was no better way of doing this than getting into a job, he said. He is specially keen on music, and is looking forward to hearing the Cathedral choir. He regrets that university and other students may be away on holiday during much of his visit; “but I am at least dodging the English winter.” The exchange between Canon Naylor and Dean Sullivan was suggested by a friend in common —the Bishop of Blackburn (the Rt. Rev. C. R. Claxton), who visited New Zealand as Bishop of Warrington.