CHRISTIAN ORDER

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 80, 29 August 1945, Page 5

CHRISTIAN ORDER

OPENING OF CONFERENCE Christchurch, August 28, The opening sessions of the conference on Christian Order sponsored by the National Council of Churches in New Zealand were held to-day in Christchurch. About 200 delegates from constituent churches of the council are attending the conference, visitors to which include the Bishop of Armidale, Rt. Rev. J. S. Moyes, the chairman of the Australian Broadcasting Commission, Mr R. J. F. Boyer, three senior chaplains to the United States Forces in the Pacific. Dr Surjit Singh, of India, representatives of the Maori race, led by the Bishop of Ao-te-Roa, Rt. Rev. Bennett, and other delegates from all parts of the Dominion. The proceedings of the conference opened with a service at Christ’s College chapel. After the service the delegates broke up into five groups to discuss on the following subjects; (1) The evangel and its presentation under modern conditions; (2) the community with special reference to the South Pacific: (3) the Maori people and their future; (4) land, industry and commerce in relation to Christian order, and (5) the basis and scope of education. Subsequently delegates attended a civic welcome held at the Cathedral Grammar School, the Very Rev. J. Lawson Robinson, chairman of the conference. presiding. The Civic Theatre was crowded this evening when the first of two public meetings arranged as part of the conference was held. Mr Lawson Robinson oresided and the sneakers were Bishop Moves and Mr R. M. Algie, M.P. Bishop Moyes emphasised the imperative necessity of the Church to enter the homes and everyday life of neople. Church people must admit that Christians were in a minority to-day, he said.