CHURCH ASSEMBLY

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 78, 25 June 1943, Page 5

CHURCH ASSEMBLY

MODERN EVANGELISM SURVEY OF PROBLEM URGED (Rec. 9.50. a.m.) London, June 24. The Church Assembly carried a resolution asking the Archbishops to appoint a commission to survey the whole problem of modern evangelism with special reference to spiritual needs, the prevailing intellectual outlook oi the non-worshipping community, and to report on organisation of methods whereby such needs may be most effectively met. The Bishop of Chelmsford, the Right Rev. H. A. Wilson, declared : “The decay of faith is a world-wide phenomenon. This not merely a problem troubling England or the Church of England. Every Christian community in Britain and the world is experiencing the same abysmal situation. It is a condition which has slowly and steadily taken shape and has assumed an increasingly alarming shape over a long period. On the one hand we have rthe complete disappearance of Sunday. It has gone as a day of worship. We have the collapse of public worship and an enormous increase in divorces, grave moral decline among the multitudes of young people, an increase in venereal disease in the last few years of 80 per cent., and an enormous increase in juvenile crime. On the other hand there are splendid qualities in our people—generosity, gay courage, good temper and sympathy. I almost think that there was never a more lovable people than the rank and file. Why are these people untouched by Christian influence? That is a bewildering and agonising problem.” He denied that the growth of juvenile crime was due to the war. pointing out that it was serious in 1936. “We know people do not go to church to-day, but there is a great deal of Christianity underlying it all—we are all very Christian at heart.” it was estimated that 10 per cent, of the population were definitely attached to some Christian religion—but he thought that was too optimistic—3o per cent, were kindly disposed to Christianity and put in an appearance at church on special occasions. 50 per cent, were totally indifferent and 10 per cent, were definitely opposed. He asked for a careful planning of the whole position by a competent body, adding: “I would like to go much farther and see set up in the Church of England a permanent headquarters *taff.”—P.A. Special Correspondent.