CHURCH TEACHING.

Waiapu Church Gazette, Volume 24, Issue 12, 1 December 1934, Page 5

CHURCH TEACHING.

An important issue decided by the Synod was the acceptance of a report by a special commission upon Christian life and faith. One feature brought down m the report was: "It is not enough to impart knowledge about wonderful events of long ago ; it is necessary to teach of a living God m action m our life now." This commission consisted of Archdeacon Chatterton and Maclean (convenor), Canon Rice, Revs. R. T. Hall, O. S. Gibson, F. I. Parsons, R. Hodgson, A. R. H. Morris, Messrs G. C. "Williams, H. G. Wellbourne, J Taylor. Inter alia, the report said that as the result of meetings among men at Rotorua and Gisborne, it became evident that there was a conscious need for. more teaching from the pulpit, and for literature about what the Ohurch believed and taught. The commission was agreed that

there was need for more teaching of the essentials of Christian belief, both m sermons and m Sunday School lessons, because many people did not know what was the Church's faith. "The teaching, for instance, of Old Testament history and of the travels of St. Paul, supplied a valuable background which should be part of a Christian's knowledge, but these subjects must be taught m full consciousness of the saving truths of the Faith of Christ. It is not enough to impart knowledge about wonderful events of long ago ; it is necessary to teach of a living God m action m our life now," the report continued. Many people did not come to Church to hear the teaching given there, and visiting by the clergy offered an opportunity which should be used to the full. It was obvious also that there was a wide field of work for laymen, and a special opportunity for such a society as the C.E.M.S. m holding meetings for discussion, and m being ready to use opportunities of discussion on matters of religion. The commission was agreed that books should be used to the full to give instruction, and therefore suggested that every effort should be made to have suitable books available at the church and elsewhere m the parish. It was very conscious of its having touched only the fringe of the task, and would like to continue the work, but its usefulness depended upon the fullest possible co-operation by members of Synod and the diocese as a whole. Archdeacon K. E. Maclean, who introduced the report, said it was important because it was the Church's self-examination. The report contained suggestions derived • from people who no longer attended their churches, and who gave their reasons for staying away. The Church was not afraid to face up to the problems of to-day. In fact, she was very much alive to them, and only needed them to be brought out into the open to answer them. It was generally agreed that there was a great need for the dissemination of good church literature, which was procurable at reasonable prices. It was the wish of Synod that the commission should continue m office.