Christians told truth unpopular

Press, 28 November 1977, Page 14

Christians told truth unpopular

PA Wellington Christians must prepare themselves for crucifixion. This warning came from the Roman Catholic Metropolitan of New Zealand, Cardinal Delargey, at the end of the first national Vincentian congress.

“Telling the truth, being a witness to a kingdom that is not of this world, is the most unpopular of causes,” Cardinal Delargey told the 450 delegates in Wellington for the Society of St Vincent de Paul’s biggest New Zealand convention.

“Do not be amazed if you arouse hatred and bitter, even unreasonable opposition,” he said. “Be amazed if you do not. The Christian finds his king on a Cross and so must expect the same treatment.”

Cardinal Delargey was speaking at the Mass of unity, the climax of a week-end of speeches and workshops which challenged the social arm of the Roman Catholic Church to “renew itself and adapt to changing conditions of the world.”

The biggest challenge facing the modern-day Christian was a willingness to identify completely with the destitute, broken, and diseased. The temptation to avoid this involvement was

very real, Cardinal Delargey said. “We do not want to be at one with our suffering brothers because of fear, selfishness, and pride,” he said. Earlier, the congress had studied reports on the effectiveness of the society as an agency concerned with human suffering, and poverty as it touched Man’s physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Workshops emphasised grea’x tn* volvement with the Ivr community of parish Aad other welfare groups.