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Letters from 11 to 17 May 2009

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Studdert Kennedy is in the picture

Reference your letter about Studdert Kennedy: In the last paragraph you state that he did not appear in the picture you printed. Surely that is 'Woodbine Willie' standing top centre?

I still remember his features from my early youth in England in the 1920's when he was still upheld as a saintly hero, at least in the school I attended at the time. His audience had obviously been asked to turn while the photograph was taken.

Father Peter Lucas (Retired)
Saint Barnabas, Victoria, British Columbia
Victoria, British Columbia, CANADA
11 May 2009

(Ed: We think you're quite right. Our error.)

Out of style?

I do remember reading about Studdert Kennedy and being impressed by things he wrote, but then I am 82. Reading the poem you quote reminds me that I used to resonate to that sort of thing. Now it seems dated, although great numbers of people might not think so. It is all about our own striving, imitating that of Jesus, to reach the heights.

Today I sing with people saying more intimate things to God and hear preaching about grace and forgiveness. The Church has moved on. 'Christ in us' is the thing, more than our own striving. I admit to a lot of 'muscular Christianity' in my own life, but it comes from the Spirit, not me, and I see the same in others.

Jim Hunt
St Mark's Anglican Church
Swanson, Waitakere City (West Auckland), NEW ZEALAND
njimihunt@paradise.net.nz
15 May 2009

Earlier letters

We launched our 'Letters to AO' section on 11 May 2003. All published letters are in our archives.