THE BROTHERHOOD MOVEMENT.

Wanganui Herald, Volume LIII, Issue 15882, 30 July 1919, Page 10

THE BROTHERHOOD MOVEMENT.

The Brotherhood movement throughout the world, which was interrupted owing to the war, is now being revived. At the time of the outbreak of war, there wore some two thousand Brotherhood Societies in Great Britain with whom there were associated about one million men in regular attendance at the Brotherhood meetings on Sunday afternoons, devoted to various kinds of religious and social activity. The movement had'extended to many parts of the British Empire. It was fairly strong in Canada, South Africa, Australia aud New Zealand, and there were societies in India, China, Japan, West Africa, West Indies, on the Congo, etc. On the Continent of Europe efforts were also being made to link np the various Fraternities that had been formed with Solidarites and other kindred organisations already existing in France. The movement had taken deep root in Switzerland and was extending to other European countries. The British and Foreign Sailors’ Society, in co-operation with the British Brotherhood Conned,’organised a special department with the chief object of establishing a Brotherhood in every port throughout the world, so that sailors of all lands, at whatever port they disembark, may have at least one place to which they may go where they will be able to find fellowship and comradeship, and thus be in association with those who are working for the Kingdom of God. In jthe United States of America, denominational Brotherhoods had been in existence for some years, and a movement was <ln foot for the federating of these into one great National organisation. Under the auspices of the Open Forum. National Council, too, an evergrowing number of open forums have been established in all ■parts of the United States since 1908 for the full and frank discussion of matter's of mutual concern.

During the war Brotherhood meetings were held on the battlefield and on battleships. As an example of what has been done in this direction, it may be mentioned that, in Egypt and Palestine, sc many Societies have been formed that, under the inspiration of men familiar with the movement, a National Federation for Egypt and Palestine has been organised under a constitution similar to that prevailing in Great Britain. Belief work among the native population and general Brotherhood propaganda work arc being carried on with the utmost enthusiasm ; similar work has I'een carried on by Brotherhood men from the United States of America and the various parts of the British Empire who joined the Colours, as well as by the representatives of the Fraternites ancl.Solidarites of France. It is proposed to hold an International Brotherhood Conference in London in September, and form an International Brotherhood Council. It is tentatively suggested, with a view to discussion, that the following should be the objects and methods of the International Brotherhood Council: OBJECTS. 1. To give moral and spiritual emphasis to the ideas embodied in the League of Nations. 2. To help realise the spirit of Brotherhood and Internationalism as dominant characteristics of the New Age, by promoting Brotherhood between individuals, between all sections of the community and between nations in their sociaL economic, political and religious life. METHODS. 1. fixed date for the celebration of Sunday throughout the ■ world. 2. The formation of an International Conference, composed of delegates of Brotherhood and kindred organisations throughout the world, to be held tricnnially, or at other stated times. The Wanganui Brotherhood, which ceased operations during the war, will resume on Sunday afternoon next, when the Rev. H. L. Blamires will be the speaker.