D. S. Sheppard Discusses Church And Cricket

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29857, 25 June 1962, Page 13

D. S. Sheppard Discusses Church And Cricket

(Special Correspondent N.Z.PA.)

LONDON, June 22. The Rev. D. S. Sheppard. in an interview in the “Daily Express" today discussed the Church and cricket, his possible tour in Australia with the M.C.C. and criticis*i which has been directed against him since he announced he would be available for the tour. Sheppard said the root of his whole belief in God was that God was interested in the ordinary things of life.

Unless this were true he did not believe in God. "And is God interested in cricket?" asked the "Express" reporter. "Yes.” replied Sheppard. "It is awfully difficult to put into words the right balance about this, but Jesus was a carpenter and my faith is that he wants to enter into every part of life. "He wants people to serve Him in doing the ordinary things. This does not mean that before a match I pray to make a century. I believe I am serving the glory of God just as well if I score a duck. "But what I do pray is that God would be honoured by the way I play or live—whatever I am doing.” Criticism The “Daily Express" recalled that Sheppard had said he would be ready to tour Australia as an England cricketer and that since that moment there had been criticism that he contemplated putting aside his work for the church in favour of playin? a mere game. “My Bishop approves of my decision." Sheppard went on. “In my own mind. I think I am right. I have had a lot of heart-searching. “My wife and I have prayed and thought and asked advice of friends. Gradually we have come to the conviction that this is a right decision to make should I be selected.”