Methodist Synod Seeks Report On Lottery Aid

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29909, 24 August 1962, Page 13

Methodist Synod Seeks Report On Lottery Aid

“What is the will of God when we are confronted with a person in need? Is it night to say we won't accept money?” These questions were asked by the Rev. W E. Falkingham at t>he Synod of the North Canterbury district of the Methodist Church of New Zealand yesterday The synod adopted a resolution asking the public questions committee of the Church to report to the New Zealand Conference of the Church on the implications of Methodist churches receiving money for social services from the’ Golden Kiwi lottery. The resolution was moved by the Rev L. T Norwell

An earlier motion by Mr Falkingham asked that in making a report the committee consider the following points: — (1) That churches had established social services with Government subsidies and some of this money came from sources which the Church could not a-onrove It could be said the Church should not receive any subsidies from the Consolidated Fund (2) To clarify from Christian ethics the fact that some human needs would not be met by the Church if it refused ’to accept money from these sources It was many years since

the question had been considered and new factors had arisen, said Mr Falkingham The Church was now involved in social service work and could not be expected to bear the full responsibility. The question should be decided on what was the will of God. There was an ideal where everyone in the community gave a proportion of his income for social work But this was not an ideal community.

It was not a question of compromising the Church's opposition to gambling, said Mr Faikingham. “I believe that money is a neutral thing, neither good nor evil. lit becomes good or evil according to its use When it is lying in the Government coffers it is waiting to be used for good or evil." said Mr Falkingham. “If we don't accept grants the Church's social services will be superseded by those of non-Christi an organisations.”

“Mr Fa-lkingham is striking at the root of the Protestant Church.” said the Rev J D Grocott “He suggests the Church should become a department of the State. “If the State is concerned about human needs we can approach it, and it will give us money from funds that will not embarrass the Church.”