Friends, Not Individuals

Probably the most pleasing feature of Conference was the very real Christian fellowship and friendship which was evident at all times. In the general life of the Conference there was less of that individualism which can easily choke any effort to live in a community and which Christian student groups are not always free from. At mealtimes, in the sporting activities and tournaments, in ordinary leisure time, in the general daily affairs, there was an easy informality and genuine caring for people which made no distinctions. It is important to realise, however, that any movement which works for the unity of the church requires a sense of fellowship intellectually also, and must be free from intellectual pride and misunderstanding, or lack of desire to understand. In a Conference the tragedy of division is always most apparent and sometimes the spirit of friendship and understanding is not always carried into theological fields, especially by those to whom differences in theology matter most.

However, the general spirit of goodwill at this Conference was something which helped students over their differences more than anything else.