Example of Fiddling While Rome Burned

Manawatu Times, Volume 64, Issue 161, 11 July 1939, Page 8

Example of Fiddling While Rome Burned

SESSION OF SYNOD

Dean Challenges Christians to Meet Social Needs

(By Telegraph—Press Association.) HAMILTON, July 10.

A challenge to Christian people to take their part in meeting the social needs of the day was made by the Dean of Hamilton, the Kev. T. P. Weatherhog. last night. The dean said that last Sunday the congregation listened to an inspiring sermon by Archbishop Averill, in which he appealed for the translation of the Bible in terms of social needs of the day. A session of the Waikato Synod followed during the week, and the proceedings of this session were described* by the dean as a magnificent example of fiddling while Rome burned. There

was bickering concerning procedure, and one member felt obliged to appeal for some sense of dignity during the discussion on the festering sore and a disgrace—the sweating of the clergy. One of the younger clergy stated that •In order to attract youth he played in ;a jazz band, and another stated that he had resorted to taking his place in a football scrum.

The dean pointed out that unless the 'people awakened, other people would ‘do the work the Church should be do'ing. An appeal had been made locally ‘for blankets for Chinese victims of the war by people who did not profess to be Christians. This fact represented a challenge to the Church and the people, and the dean expressed the hope that before the service ended sJme of those present would come forward and contribute to the Chinese fund for blankets.

The dean’s appeal met with success, members of the congregation presenting him with over £lO for the fund at the conclusion of the service.