Church Schools Thought Disintegrating Factor

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29892, 4 August 1962, Page 13

Church Schools Thought Disintegrating Factor

“I am not a supporter of church schools, but I believe absolutely in the limited rights of groups that want them to have them. The State must resist segregation of religious groups in special schools as a disintegrating factor." the secretary of the National Council of Churches (the Rev. A. A. Brash) said at a lunch-hour gathering of the Canterbury University Students’ Association yesterday. Mr Brash, giving the last of a series of lectures on aspects of the welfare State, spoke on “Religion and the Welfare State.” The idea of the welfare State was based on religious insight into the nature of man's life, which meant that Christian insights about the ultimate value of every individual person had been at the root o r the socialist revolution. he said.

Asian States, even though very poor, which were given over to the policy of providing for the material and spiritual needs ' of their peoples were welfare states. In countries such as Ceylon and Indonesia. where church schools and hospitals had been taken over by the State, a radically new concept of Christian service was emerging. Christians were becoming influential particinants in community buildin’. There was co-operation of Church and State in welfare work. This was needed in New Zealand. Mr Brash said. “New Zealanders are among the most ma‘eria I; »tic oeonle in the world. Thev lack thankfulness and thought for others.” Mr Brash said. If the Government voted 1

per cent, of the national income to help the Asians, it would go out. “New Zealand cannot afford to help refugees or to provide for its lonely aged is the attitude. Of course it can. When will New Zealanders elect a government promising to increase taxes for the benefit ot others?” he asked. This concern for materialism was a reflection on the Churches. The welfare State overstimulated man's desire for more, and his desire to share trophyed It was difficult today to get the average man to look beyond his own family and care for all Mew Zealanders. The task of religion was to challenge him to look further still, and care for all mankind, said Mr Brash.