CHRISTIAN IDEAL

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 80, Issue 245, 15 October 1937, Page 2

CHRISTIAN IDEAL

ARCHBISHOP’S ADDRESS I Per Press Association. ] AUCKLAND, Oct. 14. “I cannot but believe that the present attitude of England, sharer! 1 hope by the Commonwealth of Najtions composing the British Empire, is manifesting an ideal which must sooner or later have a direct influence on the ideals of the world,” said Archbishop Averill, in opening the Auckland Anglican Synod this morning. Referring to the Archbishop of Canterbury’s recall to religion on the occasion of the Coronation, Archbishop Averill said that the first essential was that those who called themselves Christians should face up to the question of their own witness. “Christians must cease to apologise for their religion as if Christianity

were on trial,” declared the Archbishop. “Wo arc on our trial, not Christianity. It is the duty of Christians to witness boldly and fearlessly to the truth about God and man as revealed by Jesus Christ, Who alone can speak with fearless authority.” Referring to the need for a definite stand on the truth of God’s moral law, Archbishop Averill said: "The Government’s report upon the prevalence of abortion calls for more than condemnation of the- murder of potential children. It demands a still more searching inquiry into the cause and effect and a far more sympathetic attitude on the part of the Government to the religious training of the children of this land. It is undoubtedly the duty of the church to face most courageously the whole question of the lowering of the moral standard and bear faithful witness to the Christian standard of purity among those who profess to believe in God and accept the authority and kingship of Christ.”