Christian Societies on Campus

Just what are these Christian Societies on campus? We now print the definitive Christis guide to the societies of 1990, written by representatives of the societies themselves.

The Christian Union

The Christian Union is a society on campus whose aims are to love God and reflect his glory by: proclaiming the gospel; challenging and deepening the faith of members; encouraging interest and involvement on missionary work; and persuading members to get involved in a local church.

The Christian Union is both University and College based. College based small groups study the Bible on a weekly basis. Main CU meetings on Saturdays are based around teaching on a subject or topic; the teaching coming essentially from an external speaker.

Prayer meetings (Mondays) are recognised as being very important, since any group of Christians should take time to pray together. Prayer triplets are encouraged, that people pray for each other and their friends.

A Houseparty (each Autumn) gives the Christian Union a chance to study a large topic. (“Prayer” in 1990).

The Christian Union is dedicated to evangelism — especially on a personal basis. Every other year or so, a “Mission” is organised — an event to stimulate thought on matters theological, especially what Jesus can mean to people today.

Methodist-Anglican Society

“The aim of the Methodist-Anglican Society is to provide fellowship and intellectually stimulating discussion between Christians of different backgrounds.”

But what actually happens? Well, each Monday we meet at 7:30pm and have a speaker on all sorts of topics — from “The Role of Women in the Church Today” to “Vision of a Green Britain” — followed by the intellectually stimulating discussion(!). The form of the meetings varies — sometimes we have a distinguished speaker from outside the University community, other times we hold “home-grown” meetings led by members. We organise prayer triplets which meet regularly to pray for each other and any concerns they may have.

We also have lots of exciting trips and social events — from a weekend away in the Autumn term to a Retreat to Mirfield (an Anglican) monastery) in the Spring term, and the highlight of each term, the End-Of-Term meal with entertainments, and much much more!

Despite the title, we attempt to be completely ecumenical. Not all our members are Methodists or Anglicans! (I’m not!)

Student Christian Movement

SCM is a national organisation believing that; Christian faith can stand up to being questioned, Christians should be concerned with justice as well as justification and Christianity is wider than any one expression of it. York SCM has a varied mixture of members who meet on Thursday nights for meetings given by students and guest speakers — last year these included Joan Walley MP, and almost Frank Field!

The meetings create a medium through which it is possible to discuss and debate aspects of faith and theology in the context of today’s world and the world at the time of Christ, in a way that is challenging, rewarding and fun, remembering that no answers are right when discussing the infinite possibilites of Christianity. If you also wish to look for “more questions and less answers” (or in some cases fewer answers) without fear of being isolated for simply having a different point of view then why not join one of our meetings — which are always open to anybody and everybody, or even join the society — which IS possible after the Freshers Mart. Above all, don’t be put off by the rumours that all members of SCM are Marxists — even if this might be the case!

Thomas More Society

The Thomas More Society is the society for Catholic students and any others interested. “TomSoc” organises most of the Catholic Chaplaincy’s social and some of its religious events — discos, barbecues, impromptu rounders and croquet matches, as well as discussions, prayer groups and an all-night vigil. New ideas will be very welcome.

TomSoc meets once a week. The Commitee meets beforehand to plan ahead, and all members are welcome to attend the comittee meetings. Every term we cover a wide range of topics, from other religious fatihs to the issues currently controversial in our own. These meetings really provide an opportunity to get to know our faith better, especially those doctrines which people find difficult or obscure. Usually a short talk is given, sometimes by a visiting speaker, and an open discussion follows, often fiercely debated, on what the issues presented mean in our own lives.

Women’s Theology Group

We are a small informal group of women(!) who meet on a weekly basis to discuss religion in the light of women’s experience. Exactly what we do will depend largely upon the make-up of the group and each member’s particular interests. Although normally we will be women-only, men will be welcomed to specific meetings where the content of the discussion means this will be an advantage.

The preliminary meeting will be on Tuesday of Week 1 — further details to follow (see UNBs, etc).

Christis

Christis … well … what can we say? You’re reading our product, why not come along and help us produce some more of the same (or preferably better!)? We need writers, editors, typists/computer operators, distribution officers … In short, we probably need you! To join, fill in the membership form elsewhere in the magazine. Remember, as a member you’ll also get your copy of CHRISTIS before everyone else. How can you refuse such an offer?!