The Laity

But, as we have noted, all Christians are the Church, and the way in which the Church rubs shoulders with the world is in its laity. They are the Church in the factory and the lecture room.

The whole point about the clergy is that they have specific functions within the Church. The fact remains that the ministry of the Church must be made evident through all Christians.

What does this mean? It means primarily that a radical—radical means from the roots (radix) upwards—reorientation of the Church is necessary. Not only the laity, but a santified clergy must grasp a sense of mission—must rediscover, through the study of the Bible, why God has called them and hence the urgency of that calling. It is only then that the Church will cease to be introverted, cease to exist for itself, and will hence, with God's guidance, be true to its nature and calling.

(Some findings of N.Z.S.C.M. Study Conference, May 1959.)