The Press THURSDAY, APRIL 19, 1962. Easter

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29802, 19 April 1962, Page 12

The Press THURSDAY, APRIL 19, 1962. Easter

Because New Zealand’s social order is based upon Christianity, the significance of Easter is far deeper to most New Zealanders than that of any ordinary holiday period. Particularly since the Second World War there has been a notable resurgence of religious interest, and this in turn has led to a more reverent and meaningful observance of Christendom’s greatest festival. Post-war stresses, expressed internationally in ideological conflict, direct men’s notice abruptly to the transience of material assets. While all the arguments of science and technology militate against a revival of pseudo-Victorian sentimentalism, it seems that more people today are seeking a knowledge of something more reassuring than the physical world about them. In the central fact of the Christian faith the seekers, according to their lights, find refuge from fear or inspiration to fresh endeavours. The saddest reflection on this trend is that the divisions of the Church deprive Christians of that ideal unity with which to confront most effectively the forces of outer darkness. During the next few days centuries of

change and ecclesiastical controversy will be reflected in the different modes of celebrating Easter; yet each

denomination, irrespective of its outward forms, will be recognising a common spiritual heritage bequeathed by the earliest Christians. At this time, therefore, it is satisfactory to recall the ways in which the various churches have drawn closer together in recent years. Particularly noteworthy have been the tentative gropings for reconciliation between the Protestant churches and Rome. In this search the objective is harmonious coexistence rather than reunion; but the process represents an encouraging projection of the ecumenical movement as the term is commonly understood among Protestants. Towards this welcome development both Pope John and Lord Fisher, the former Archbishop of Canterbury, have made outstanding contributions. Among other factors, the sympathy of the British Royal Family and of the Presbyterian Church have also helped to vivify the cause of Christian unity, to which the thoughts of Christians everywhere may well turn during the Easter festival.