ABSTRACT
In the report of the Church of England on the postwar situation, Towards the Conversion of England, published in I945 as 'a plan dedicated to the memory of William Temple', who had encouraged its preparation, reference was made to the need for more than home mission work as such, and a big campaign was recommended to recover the soul of a war-scarred generation. Parochial missions and village evangelism were urged, and emphasis was laid on the importance of 'translating technical theological expressions into terms understood by ordinary people', but it was pointed out that there were obstacles to village evangelism in the lack of leadership, in disunity, and the fact that all parish priests were not equally equipped for this kind of work. The report asserted that a new voice and fresh approach would often supply 'the needed spark to set aflame a carefully laid fire'. In dealing with evangelism among children and youth, it was stressed that Christian home life was the natural and normal introduction of the child into the family of God, and that the church had an unprecedented opportunity of evangelising youth at a time when there was decay in home life, and the influence as to which young people were subjected were becoming increasingly materialistic. Radio was not mentioned in this section of the report, such were the doubts that still existed as to its efficiency, but it was stated in the chapter on broadcasting that 'the true task of religious radio is missionary and evangelistic, especially for those who do not attend church, though broadcasting can only plough the land, and sow the seed, and the church in its parochial aspect must tend and reap'.
