CRITICISM OF THE CHURCH

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LVI, 4 October 1924, Page 2

CRITICISM OF THE CHURCH

THE LONDON ALLEGATIONS

COMMENT IN CHRISTCHURCH

(By Telegraph.—Special to The MailJ

CHRISTCHURCH, This Day

"A great deal of it is certainly true.’ said Archbishop .Julius.. Primate of New Zealand to-day, when asked for his views of the allegations made at the Chureli Congress in London. Beyond the statement quoted the Arc-hbisliop refused to comment on the matter.

"Hypocrisy exclaimed the. Rev. N. 1.. Webster," of St. Andrew's Presbyterian Chureli, when approaclted. “certainly there is hypocrisy in the church, hut not to the extent m which the report would lead one believe. There are hypocrites everywhere, but for every one that could be found inside a chureli ,i thousand could l be found outside. 1 do not think the statement that there is no place in the church toy young people is applicable iff New Zealand. I'lie work that is being done by the churches for the voting people is the most prolific of ail. The criticism vvas quite unfounded as dar as the dominion was concerned. There was nothing Utah in the cable, with which- he could agree. The statements were what was to he expected from undergraduates, who when they grew a lutle older would probably see things in a different., light-. A prominent Anglican churchman said there was a great deal in the allegations. Ministers, lie said, should take a great deal more interest in sport and s rnilar activities. For instance, in the church there were ministers and church riders who were complaining of such an innovation as Sunday tennis. This really meant that' they were buried hopelessly in theology and had little sympathy for the aims and needs of young people. There could be nothing worse for the church than a belief among the young people that ministers looked on healthy, exercise on Sunday, as something evil. 'Such a stand was out of date at Home, and around many of the large cities pastors were encouraging young ir.on to exercise in the sunshine on Sunday and attend service either before or after, dressed in their flannels. It was not only on Sundays hut on other days of the week that the church should be more active in the ordinary Lie of the community. In Christchurch there was a disposition. to regard the 'Church oi Testis Christ as a building of stone walls that under fear of dire penalties must, be attended twice every Sunday. The real church existed in men's hearts, and tlio people should always he open to divide their influence, whether on Sunday, Monday or any other day."