GROUP MOVEMENT

Evening Post, Volume CXV, Issue 81, 6 April 1933, Page 10

GROUP MOVEMENT

(To the Editor.) Sir,—The Wellington "Church Chronicle" just issued (dated April 1) contains the following:—"ln the magazine of St. Matthew's Parish, Masterton, it is clear that several members of the movement are on their way to New Zealand and are going to Masterton. The vicar (the Rev. E. J. Rich) has very wisely suggested that the study of the movement should be undertaken, not by the parish as a whole, or by big gatherings in church or school, but by small circles of inter-, ested people in private houses. It is easy enough: to point out difficulties ■in the working of. the movement . . * but there can be no doubt of two things, first, the reality of the experiences that many have found, next that the leaders of the movement have no thought or intention of forming a new sect or division in the Church. In days.such as ours, it may well be a strengthening of the corporate life of the Church. The. Vicar of Masterton's example may well be followed elsewhere." ■■:■_• . ■' '-, ■

My confrere, the Rev; Wm. Bullock, deserves thanks for giving, us the opinion of the., Bishop of London on the movement. He rightly says that some will value his summing up of the outstanding features of the movement, while others will appreciate his warnings. It seems to be always so. ■ There are some who can take hold of new thoughts or inventions and use them,; in . spite .. of initial drawbacks and-mistakes, and there are acme who will not* touch them until they are absolutely safe. But we have often been exhorted in these days to "live dangerously," and, indeed, the very cautious person can scarcely be said to live at all.

"Q.E.D.V summary of the spiritual ideals of the movement is very attractive. In T'iew of, the fact that some members of the movement are actually on their way to New Zealand, I would strongly back up the plea of the editor of the "Chronicle" that private preparation circles should be formed. I am still willing to help form them if names are tent to me. —I am, etc., F. C. LONG. 222 Karori Road.