CHURCH AND DANCING.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20364, 19 September 1929, Page 16

CHURCH AND DANCING.

CARD PARTIES AND RACSNG

DISCUSSION BY A SYNOD

MEMBERS DIVIDED IN OPINION

There was considerable discussion by the Anglican Synod at Bendigo, Victoria, recently, on the question of conducting dances, raffles, card parties and races for church purposes. ' The Rev. W. M. Madgwick moved as follows That this synod affirms that the holding of card parties, dances, races and raffles for church purposes is not in keeping with Christian principles, and that moneys gained thereby should not bo accepted by church officers for buildings or for the prosecution of God's work ih any of its departments." Mr. Madgwick contended that those things were not in keeping with Christian principles, and were detrimental to tho spiritual lifo of the people. Mr. A. Whitehead stated that many supporters of tho church were persons connected with racing, and who indulged in other things that had been mentioned. 110 did not think it a good thing to blazon it forth from the synod that it was opposed to that sort of thing.

The Rev. P. Blennorhasset declared that ho could see nothing wrong with dancing. Ho had run dances and card parties for tho church. Ho did not participate himself, but his parishioners had asked him to grant them tho uso of the hall for dances. They said if they were not allowed to dance in tho parish hall, they would go elsewhere and dance. Looking at dancing ho saw nothing wrong with it, and ho often thought ho had missed a'lot of innocent fun. He did not knowwhy they kept on moving thoso " wowser " motions.

Archdeacon N. G. Horring said there was a good deal to bo said for both sides. They had to realiso that their young people wanted all manner of enjoyment, and' they should encourage them to a certain oxtcnt. Ho moved the following amendment"That this synod deprecates all unworthy methods of raising money for church purposes, and recommends strongly to all clergy and church officers the Scriptural method of direct giving." Bishop Baker said ho considered tho best way of dealing with tho subject was to educate the spiritual life of the congregations, and the methods of raising money which they deprecated would quickly fall off. Tho amendment was carried.