Role Of Women In Uniting Christian Forces

Press, Volume C, Issue 29504, 4 May 1961, Page 2

Role Of Women In Uniting Christian Forces

Women must be willing —and be permitted—to play their part in the strengthening of a united witness of the Christian church, in co-operation with men, said Mrs C. C. Holland, when addressing a “Presbyterian women’s day” at Knox Church yesterday. Nearly 250 women from parishes throughout the Christchurch Presbytery', as well as representatives from two South Canterbury parishes, attended sessions held in the morning. afternoon and evening.

It was the first group meeting of its kind held by Presbyterian women in Christchurch. The theme was: “A Church Woman’s Life in Parish and Community.” Mrs Holland, who represented New Zealand at a group meeting held recently in Hong Kong to commemorate the seventy-fifth anniversary of the World Day of Prayer, told the meeting of the challenge which had come to the group, represented by 15 countries. Everything possible must be done to strengthen Christians in countries where they were comparatively few: Christians themeelves must lead a very real kind of Christian life; and Christian forces must be united to stand up against the forces of evil in the world, she said. Complementary Men and women must work together to meet this challenge. she said. Women must see their role as complementary rather than competitive to men. Women set the standard for men in their social behaviour and in the trend of their thinking on social problems. “Most women have the will to make this a better world, but do they see any need to be or to do anything In order to bring about such a result*" she asked. Women had a tremendous responsibility because they

were the home-makers, and home was the place where they had the greatest opportunity and the greatest obligation to witness for Christ. “Woman and man together are as necessary to each other as life itself,” she said. "Together they are a team. We should use the gifts we have as women alongside man’s creative ability to produce a more complete whole.” Women had not always been willing to accept this responsibility. Some had preferred to use their influence quietly in their own homes. Self-Obliteration The great truth underlying the partnership of man and woman is the obliteration of self by both parties. “When self dies—and that can only happed when we submit to God’s guidance in every step in our lives—then comes peace and fulfilment, the togetherness which is the hallmark of the church,” she said. Women should be careful that no “upsurge of women’s rights” be allowed to destroy the precious relationship between man and woman in

the home, which was vital to the strength of the home, the church and the nation. “I believe most strongly that women are needed in the church today, either by influence or by direct participation in the offices of the church, but always remembering that women and men together have differing gifts to bring and that women have a particular help to give to men," Mrs Holland said. The purpose of holding the day was to find out what kind of impact women could make on the parish and in the community. The meeting was opened by the Moderator of the Christchurch Presbytery (Mr C. Wilson). Sister Jean Alexander, who presided at the morning session, spoke on the contribution to the life of the home and community peculiar to churchwomen. She emphasised the need for unity among women in the church. Sister Elizabeth Allan presided at the afternoon session. Leaders of church work groups gave short talks on their activities.