APATHY DEPLORED

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 88, Issue 96, 24 April 1944, Page 4

APATHY DEPLORED

iBISHOP HOLLAND OUTSPOKEN SELFLESS SERVICE WANTED Taking at his text the words of St. John, "Jesus knew that his hour was come.” the Bishop of Wellington, the Rt. Rev. H. St. Barbe Holland, preaching in Christ Church last night, appealed to a large congregation to influence others by becoming worshipping Christians. He deplored the apathy with which some people went through life and declared that many thinking persons outside the Church could be influenced if they saw in Christians men and women capable of constructive thought. The preacher also asked individual members of 1h“ parish, now celebrating its centenary, to adopt a spirit of selfless service to the community, taking as their slogan. “Wanganui depends on me; I depend on God.” The church was crowded for festal evensong and a service of dedication, climax to the period of centenary celebrations which began on Anril 16. The Rev. Basil Taylor (Christchurch) read the First Lesson, the Venerable Archdeacon J. R. Young read the Second Lesson, and the Rev w Nigel Williams led the congregation in prayer. The civic authorities were represented at, the service by the Mayor, Hon. W. J. Rogers, and several councillors and their wives. On the night before His crucifixion. Christ realised that His hour had come, the which was to he the climax to His ministry and His life among men. said Bishop Holland. “Wo know well the issue of that hour.” he added. There is something ringing about that word. “BRITAIN’S HOUR” In generations to come people would look back on the Britain of this war and think of the period, two years ago, when she stood alone in the great, 1 conflict. God matched Britain with her hour. “This week, in Christ Church, you have been celebrating'your centenary. You have come to one of the grea l hours in the life of the church,” said Bishop Holland. “But, now we must look to the future and I am going to speak to you as men and women with your eyes to the light, the dawning of which may be postponed if there is an unwilligness to serve God. But what is the future? Is God going to match the world with its hour, when the war is over and a new world is born?” So far as he could analyse the life of mankind was in three groups. Bishop Holland added. In all Christian countries 20 per cent, seemed to be the utmost that, the church could call practising members. This left a balance of 80 per cent., which could be divided into three groups. There were those thoughtful men and women who realised that in the past humanity had steered a wayward course, and that something must be done in the future. From this group much could be expected. “The second group,” said the Bishop, “consists of people who mean well but are full of wishful thinking, a group bankrupt of initiative and inspiration, unwilling to take on any responsibility. You know the type I mean. Not a bad crowd, but utterly useless.” The third group, which was far too large, consisted of people who threw all moral restraint to the wind. APATHY OF CHRISTIANS

“I often ask myself, are the Christian forces of the world ready to take the strain in the tug-of-war between God and the devil? Apart from a few exceptional places and circumstances 1 don’t believe the average Christian has moved since the start of the war. So far as I can see he is still apathetic, contented and indifferent. Have you felt any real spiritual disturbance? Has God touched your conscience? Have you done your bit to help Him come into the lives of others?” It was doubtful whether the world realised God’s competence to solve its difficulties and rebuild its frame. Christians should think about this and be prepared to give the answer when the question was asked by people outside the Church. Were parishioners going to be in the position to say that in them others could see the true meaning of Christianity? “That is the only way in which we can break through the ring of that 80 per cent, and show that God is competent to do something in this chaotic world. We have got to be capable of a service to mankind which is one of action. There are too many organisations which claim to be all out for good fellowship and service, but which are all out for a good time. We, in the Church, haw? also got to beware of being guilty of that, hypocrisy.” Too many people were afraid to answer questions asked about the Church. They would not have an answer because they did not think. By studying, thinking and talking among themselves they should find out. the answers. “That is one way in which they can help those men outside who are thinking hard, but to whom the Church makes no appeal,” said Bishop Holland.