OXFORD MOVEMENT

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22489, 5 August 1936, Page 19

OXFORD MOVEMENT

STRESS ON THE INDIVIDUAL ATTITUDE OF CHURCHES ''The Oxford Movement is one of the significant movements in the world to-day," said tho Rev, P. Gladstone Hughes when explaining the aims of the movement at last night's meeting of the Council of Christian Congregations. By significant he meant'n campaign that had its setting in contemporary world conditions. It was a movement that laid stress on the value, dignity and influence of the individual in the face of the various forces at present working to minimise the influence of the individual. Examples of these forces were Fascism and modern industrialism. Even in the churches there was a tendency for the individual to be subordinated to the whole. "Coming as a reaction to the attempts that are being made to mechanise life, tho Oxford Movement is a form of 'practical mysticism,' " Mr. purges said. Throughout the ages a mystical movement of some sort had existed, mystics as a rule being comparatively free from the shackles of dogma, depending more on the testimonies of inner light. The group emphasised the importance of direct personal relationship with God, laying stress on the great fundamentals of spiritual experience. The group had developed a special technique, if it could he so termed, of worship, Mr. Hughes continued. There was an insistence on the missionary function of every member. From personal experience, he could definitely say that it had resulted in many changed lives. The task of members was to convert those great museum pieces, the fundamental church truths into high-powered explosives. "Tf the churches are not sympathetic to this movement, tbev stand to lose a lot," Mr. Hughes concluded. "If they show sympathy to us they will receive the benefit of a new force." The address was followed by a short question period, Mr. Hughes answering a number of queries.