CHURCH SOCIALS

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLVII, Issue 21508, 22 November 1939, Page 11

CHURCH SOCIALS

Dancing Deprecated Presbyterian Resolution By Telegraph—Press Association CHRISTCHURCH, November 21. “While acknowledging the right and privileges of church courts and governing bodies of church institutions, the Assembly deprecates dancing at functions connected with the church,” said a resolution affirmed at the Presbyterian General Assembly. The resolution said that dancing was one of the matters upon which every Christian has full liberty of conscience, and therefore, the Assembly disclaimed entirely any right or power to dictate to its people on the subject. In view of the popular character of dancing as ah amusement, the Assembly thought it its right and duty to call the serious attention of its people to certain aspects of this question. It deplored the excesses and abuses of the present dancing craze and regretted that many modern dances were unworthy of Christian civilisation and culture and grieved exceedingly that the open and social use of liquor at public and private dances has produced disastrous results in not a few lives. The Assembly accordingly warned parents and guardians of the dangers that threaten young life, exhorted hosts and hostesses to discharge their responsibilities with scrupulous care and caution, and urged its members that before exercising their liberty of action they should fully consider the facts and act as Christian love and wisdom direct. The Assembly regarded the letting of church halls for dances and the holding of dances for the purpose of raising funds for Christian work as most unbecoming, if not reprehensible.