BACK TO RELIGION

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23385, 28 December 1937, Page 9

BACK TO RELIGION

ARCHBISHOP’S APPEAL

DISPELLING WORLD FEARS

LONDON, Dec. 26,

The Archbishop of Canterbury, broadcasting, recalled his last year’s Christmas broadcast appealing to his fellow-countrymen to return to religion, in which he asked whether the nation, although professedly Christian, was not in danger of losing its hold on the foundations of Christianity. He added: “What real impression was made I cannot tell. Immediate and dramatic results were impossible, and were not expected, but tidings from throughout the country show that there has been a real stirring of community interest and conscience, while the Church of England and other Christian communions have begun to care less for the one within their folds, but more for the 99 who are without Meanwhile I remind all that no recall to religion can succeed unless it is answered in the minds, hearts, and wills of individual men and women. There is also the question of peace, for which* the individual has a responsibility. Who can think without dismay of the fears, jealousies, and suspicions that are compelling nations, including Britain, to pile up armaments? We are almost tired of being told that Christianity offers the only solution of world problems, but it is profoundly true. Nevertheless it would have more chance of coming true if for ‘ Christianity ’ we substituted ‘ Christians, for the influence of whatever the living Christ can do means that it can be done through the minds and wills of individual Christians.” The Archbishop in concluding said: “If you really believe any part of the Christian Gospel you should be ready to bear witness to it openly and courageously among your fellows.”