'N.Z. at time of decision’

Press, 4 December 1978, Page 14

'N.Z. at time of decision’

NZPA Wellington The Church is not called on or able to lay down moral rules for society as a whole, the Moderator of the Presbyterian Church (the R. Rev. Dr Alan Brash) has said in a pastoral letter. Dr Brash was asked to send the letter by the General Assembly, which considered expressions of concern from presbyteries about the decline in ethical and moral standards in New Zealand. The letter was sent to all Presbyterian parishes and Union and co-oper-ating parishes including Presbyterians —a total of 430. New Zealand society had its tragic and evil aspects, said Dr Brash. “It is everywhere acknowledged that we live in a time when family unity and family standards of love, loyalty, and faithfulness are being lost: when the number of young people appearing in our courts has trebled within a few years; when crimes of violence and sexual irresponsibility are happening almost every hour; when racial tension's are increasing; and when in almost every aspect of our life — government, education, industry, and social relations — social integrity is being eroded and self-interest is supreme.” . However, the Church

was not called upon to provide legalistic solutions to the many situations in which people found themselves.

The Church cared deeply for relationships which made for a secure and long-lasting marriage, and for homes where young and old respected each other. “We are committed to ways of dealing with people who disagree with us and still express care for their dignity and selfrespect,” said Dr Brash. “We do want to preserve schools and colleges and community organisations in which young and old people can participate without being corrupted or made cynical about the rights erf others. “We want a Parliament where issues are debated intensely and honestly, but not on the basis of character defamation,” he said. “And we do want to help to create a multi-rac-ial society in which each racial group can be fully itself, within a total society to which each is truly loyal.” New Zealand was at a time <rf decision when the welfare of New Zealanders might well depend on choices made now. Christians were full of hope. They were committed not only to recognise evil, but to overcome it with good, said Dr Brash.