CHRISTIAN TEACHING

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30269, 23 October 1963, Page 15

CHRISTIAN TEACHING

Synod Board’s Development

The importance of group dynamics in adult education was discussed by the Synod of the Diocese of Christchurch yesterday when reviewing the report of the diocesan board of education. The new techniques learnt from America and staff generously lent by Australia had helped the development of ad ’it education, said Dr. W. M. Brookfield, a member of the board.

Christian education was not now primarily concerned with Sunday schools and youth, but with adults, he said. The primary thing was that adults not only learnt the facts at Christian doctrine but how it applied to everyday life. ‘‘Adults should leairn together how to be Christians in life,” he said. Youth work in the diocese h.al gained in purpose and direction with the work of the Rev. J. G. Vincent, said Mr R. P. G. Parr. There was an urgent need tor a campsite near the city for weekend camps, he said, pointing out that the Anglican Church lagged behind other denominations in this matter.

The board had now grown into a big organisation, said the Dean of Christchurch (the Very Rev W. A. Pyatt). Its main job was to help the parishes to do their job and it was good to see the people of the parishes coming into the office and asking for assistance in programming parish activities, he said.

Synod Agrees To £30,000 Loan

A loan of £30,000 for church extensions and urgent repair work was approved by the Christchurch Diocesan Synod yesterday. The loan would be used mainly for grants and was based on minimum requirements, the mover, Mr H. M. S. Dawson, told the Synod. It was amazing just how real the needs were, and how much attention and time was given by vestries to building and repairs, said Mr L. R. Burgess. “This will give help where it is needed."