CHALLENGES THROWN OUT TO CHURCH BY PUBLIC MEN

Wanganui Chronicle, 30 October 1946, Page 4

CHALLENGES THROWN OUT TO CHURCH BY PUBLIC MEN

BUILDING NEW WORLD | “Reading through the columns of 1 the Press from day to day, one cannot but be impressed with the challenges—explicit or implicit—thrown out to the Church by men of high authority; challenges which imply a universal moral and spiritual need, which the Church alone can meet,” said the newly-inducted Moderator of the Presbyterian Church of New Zealand, the Rt. Rev. H. Davies, in his inaugural address at the opening of the General Assembly in SI. Paul’s Church, Wanganui, last night. The Moderator chose as his subject, “Building a New World. - ’ The British Prime Minister, when addressing the Assembly ol the Church of Scotland, the Moderator added, emphasised the need in the wond to-da> lor spiritual leadership. He had declared that, no social system would bring happiness, health and prosperity unless inspired by something greate. than materialism. The Government knew that. the> had need of the churches, the Britisn Prime Minister added. Whatever might be the differences between the adherents of the various churches, they were at one in holding before mankind absolute values, ana setting standards of conduct beyond that oi self-interest of the individual, group or nation.

“On the other side of the Atlantic,” said the Moderator, “looking out on a world beset with new conflicts, new terror and destruction, and laced at home and abroad with the forces ol selfishness, greed and intolerance, the President of the United States said:

“They create situations calling for hard decisions, forthrightness, courage, determination, and a moral and spiritual awakening in the life of the individual and the counsels of the world. There is no problem on this earth tough enough to withstand the flame of a general renewal of religious faith. The gigantic power of atomic energy must be matched by a spiritual strength of a greater magnitude. Only a high moral code can master the new power and develop it for the common good. That is the great task for you teachers of religious faith.”

The Moderator added that similar challenges had been sounded oat by leaders in New Zealand’s own Parliament, either directly or indiiectly, at frequent intervals during the year. Under the heading “Change our Ways —or Die,” one was reported as declaring: “Sentence of death is written over everything we see to-day unless we change our way of life. We must look round and see if there is something nobler than simply the price of butterfat and the price of fat lambs.” “In connection with the petition recently presented to Parliament praying for the framing of a master charter which would serve as a spiritual guide to all nations, and as a basis of world peace,” said the Moderator, “the Prime Minister is reported to have stated that ‘apart from asking the churches and spiritual bodies to carry on their work with the commendation and goodwill of Parliament, he could no- see that they could go much further.’ “Again, under the heading of ‘Deep Concern,’ the Press reported that a prominent member of the R.S.A., after stating that the world tc-day was no nearer true peace than it was a year ago, continued: ‘The only hope for this world lies in education—education in the homes, in the schools and in the churches—education having for its aim that noble old concept of truth, beauty and goodness.’

“These and many other statements made by public men during the past year, constitute a direct challenge to the Church, not only to check the submergence of spiritual values, but to lead the people of this land out into the pursuit of that righteousness which exalteth a nation.

‘•’The urgent call to build a new world, where ‘mercy and truth have met together, righteousness and peace have kissed each offier,’ should be ever before us as we discuss and plan the work for the coming year,” said the Moderator.

He added that many reports, discussions and resolutions on subjects that concerned both the church and the community would come before the General Assembly.