RELIGIOUS APATHY

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21386, 10 January 1933, Page 11

RELIGIOUS APATHY

PROBLEM FOR PREACHERS CONFORMITY TO BELIEFS [from our own correspondent] HAMILTON, Monday Criticism of the religious apathy of a large section of the community was expressed by Bishop C. A. Cherrington In the courso of a sermon at St. Teter's Cathedral, Hamilton, last evening. " Some people ask why so much money should be spent in converting coloured races when there are so many in our own country who do not follow Christ," said Bishop Cherrington. "We have to admit a certain amount of truth in this. What is the best way of tackling the problem ? It is certainly very difficult. To a certain extent the clergy of our Church are barred by the fact that if they take an unpopular line they will not get paid. There are not many Anglican clergy in this diocese who can say whatever they like. I think ministers of the Gospel, if they are fettered in any way in preaching the truth as it appears to them, are bound to fail. What sort of priest or preacher is he who says and does what he thinks will please the people?" Bishop Cherrington said he was of opinion that the wor'd could never be saved except by thorough believers who made their everyday practices conform to their beliefs. Only the sanctified, consecrated lives of Christians, acting as a beacon light in the community, would combat the forces of irreligion.