LETTERS
BE DISTINCT OR BECOME EXTINCT I HAVE been interested in the recent correspondence from Polly Fox (Salvationist 17 August) and others on the relevance and style of Army uniform. Is the reluctance of some to support the wearing of uniform connected with the trend to adopt an ethos of ‘church’ rather than that of the Army, which is ‘church plus’? To go too far in this direction would mean that our officers would, like many Free Church ministers who have abandoned the clerical collar, verge on anonymity. If we are to fulfil our mission, surely we must be as visible as possible. How can a seeker find an answer if they cannot see the one to ask? I sell the Army papers in the centre of town and, apart from trying to answer questions of a theological nature, I have been asked about such things as how to obtain a Blue Badge for parking, council tax and pensions (I am a retired teacher and not a tax expert), local history, the inevitable way to the nearest public toilet and even once to look after the bicycle of a member of the aristocracy, who was going into the church to finalise arrangements for a wedding. You have to be available to all levels of society. I think, therefore, that a distinctive uniform is required and my present one seems to fit that purpose. If we adopt too casual a dress, such as a tracksuit and baseball cap, I feel that even with the red shield we would blend a little too much into the background. We must be distinct or we will become extinct. If we must have change for change’s sake, can I plead for us not to follow the example of the postal service, which has dispensed with traditional uniform in favour of shorts or trousers that come just below the knee? That would seem much less practical, particularly in the carolling season. Peter Grace Cirencester
THANK YOU, KIDS ALIVE! EVERY week the three children in my Sunday school class (hallelujah for those three little lives!) rush to pick up the latest issue of Kids Alive! and we all sit around the table together and get to work. We flick through the pages to see what’s inside. Then we go back to the beginning and read the first page about whatever film or event is featured. Next it’s Ed’s Bit, then the Bible story, and we pick up the pace to look for Random Rita before the puzzles, jokes and cartoons. (Patch’s Pals brings a smile to my face each week.) We try to get through as much of the magazine as we can in the time allowed, then the children take it home to finish. Over the years I’ve used lots of different Scripture Union resources but Kids Alive! seems to hit the spot – the children enjoy it! Thank you and well done to all involved in its production! Jill Pentre
LETTERS Readers’ letters are a popular and well-read section of Salvationist. Many years ago General Frederick Coutts said letters for publication in the Army’s press should be ‘carefully thought out, logically presented and charitably expressed’. Letters may be edited and should ideally be no more than 300 words.
Random Rita from ‘Kids Alive!’ 19
