Continued Attack On World Problems Urged

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29858, 26 June 1962, Page 10

Continued Attack On World Problems Urged

(Noto Zealand Press Association)

AUCKLAND. June 25. It was impossible for any representative assembly of the church to meet in these days without a vivid awareness of the plight of a deeply perplexed world, said the Bishop of Auckland, the Rt Rev. E. A. Gowing, tonight, when giving his charge at the constitution of the thirtyseventh synod of the Diocese of Auckland. Whatever their point of view, no-one could accept happily the testing of the indescribably appalling nuclear weapons, said Bishop Gowing. But the mad race continued and high altituoe tests, the results of which were uncertain, were the latest horrors. “We must never allow ourselves to be beguiled by the Devil into thinking that as the problems of the world are so numerous and seemingly insoluble, we can wash our hands of the whole distasteful business." he said. "It is, in a sense, our world, and we must accept a measure of blame for its dilemma. We are called to go on wrestling with the problems, seeking at all times to bring the mind of

Christ to them, and knowing that because of the sin of the world, the only way is the way of the Cross of suffering love.” , ' With the emphasis on "get rich quick,” it was hard to convince people that the greatest joy belonged to those who gave, he said. The climate of contemporary society did not make for a ready acceptance of the principle of stewardship “The welfare state takes from its members a large—and it would appear an everinereasmg—slice of their earnings. With what result? The members are ever on the lookout for ‘benefits' in return

“And now the ‘Golden Kiwi’ that lays the golden egg has appeared, and increasing numbers of ordinary Kiwis are seeking to court this fabulous bird.”

God was the giver of all good gifts, and He expected us to give generously for the furtherance of His Kingdom here on earth, said Bishop Gowing. It was certain that the diocese would not be able to do the work that should be undertaken in the parishes until more people regarded God's work as a first call upon them.