Student Christian Movement

V.U.C.S.C.M. has spread its attention and interest over a wide range of topics and activities this year, and has received new impetus since the appointment of the Rev. Martin Sullivan as full-time Chaplain, in whom has been fully demonstrated the value of a Chaplain's leadership.

Several of the talks and discussions this year centred round different faculties in the University

page 48 page 49

and their relationship with religion. The Rev. J. M. Bates made a very able estimate of religion as a science, while keen discussion was aroused by a talk by Mr. J. Robb on psychology and religion. The Rev. L. N. Watkins, also, traced the connection between music and religion through the ages. Aspects of the Church in other countries were covered in talks such as "The Church in Germany," by Mr N. Davis, who had been working with Unrra in Germany, and in an enlightening presentation of the problems of India, by the Rev. Morton Ryburn. The interest in German students has been furthered by the starting of a correspondence with the S.C.M. branch in Germany. The focus at May Camp was on the University, its position in the community, and on the position of the student in the University. The weekend camp at Wallis House in July approached the problem of suffering, both in its personal aspects, which included a talk by Mr Sullivan dealing with C. S Lewis's book, 'The Problem of Pain,' and in relation to the suffering of nations, which was discussed by Mr O. E. Burton.

The two study circles which have been held during the year, one by Mr Sullivan on Doctrine, held two nights in the week, and the other by the Rev. J. Nairn on the 'Gospel of St. John,' have both been steadily well-attended and introduced worthwhile discussion.

Religious literature has been effectively introduced into the year's programme. A reading of one of Dorothy Sayers' plays in the series 'The Man Born to be King,' was read by Scm-ers before Easter; and readings by students of selected passages of prose, poetry and drama have made an interesting contribution to the thought and discussion of the two camps.

Social services in and beyond the University have been continued this year, and include the compiling of a student handbook and the conducting of an information bureau at the beginning of the year. The large number of books which passed this year through the Second Hand Bookstall, run by the S.C.M., indicate its increasing value to students. Assistance has also been given in sewing and packing to Corso and in the organisation of I.S.S.

The four S.C.M. Services during the year have included the Commissioning Service of Mr Sullivan, held at St. Peter's Church and attended by large numbers. The major service of the year, the World Student Day of Prayer, which was held at St. Paul's Pro-Cathedral, was also well attended.

New plans for S.C.M. activities are in progress and an increasing membership of students prepared to take an active part in both the spiritual and practical sides of the movement forecasts its growth in active strength.