CHRISTIAN SOCIAL COUNCIL

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22258, 10 May 1934, Page 3

CHRISTIAN SOCIAL COUNCIL

A meeting of representatives of various churches was held at the Vedic tearooms on Tuesday night to consider the advisability of forming a Christian Social Council for Dunedin. The Rev. Percy Paris was voted to the chair. The Rev. J. D. Smith, who was called upon to explain the object of the meeting began by asking if there were need for such a body. Proceeding he stated that various opinions were to be found among Christians. Emphasis was laid on the spiritual functions of the Church. There was general agreement that her main work was to keep in the forefront the eternal issues that did not change with the changing years. But should she not also urge upon her people the necessity of making the application of the eternal principles to present needs and set the saved life at work in creating the highest life values? If so, what form was the urging to take? Exhortations from pulpits only, or a more definite assumption of responsibility and initiative in linking up individual Christians in projects for social welfare? They needed to recognise that there were elements in these problems where Christianity as such could bring about no changes. Making a man good did not make him good for anything and everything, but only within the limit of his powers. There was a large field where welfare could only be achieved by patient and devoted research by the best talent available. What was needed more than anything just now was earnest and serious thought, Christianity, made its supreme contribution in the realm of human motive, the change of heart, readiness to sacrifice and co-operate for the good of the whole. Added to this they needed the talented head. The two should be brought together for the team work necessary to lead the way to increased welfare. A Christian Social Council would seek to do this—bring the inspiration of the Christian spirit to the educative tasks. Continuing, Mr Smith asked how a council would work in Dunedin. Should it be under the auspices of the present Council of Christian Congregations? What would it do? His reply was; Mainly educate, by public lectures, articles in the press, and church papers; publishing tf'acts for the times; circulating those already printed; using the broadcast service; forming study groups; gathering a library; seeking to link up with other cities in forming a national council. The work, he added, could be financed by enrolling subscribing members. After discussion and questions, the following resolutions were carried: — “ That it is desirable to form in Dunedin a Christian Social Council which would be representative of all the denominations.”

“That an approach he made to the Council of Christian Congregations to ask its co-operation in forming such a council.”

A provisional executive was appointed as follows: —The Rev. J. D. Smith (convener), the Rev. C. Olds, Canon Button, Miss Every, and Messrs M'Rae, Xevill and Standage, At a subsequent meeting of the committee various details were discussed, and the Rev. J. D. Smith and Mr Nevill were appointed to wait on the Council of Christian Congregations as a deputation.