The Church of Scotland decided officially some years ago to organise and run a theatre in Edinburgh, presumably for the presentation of religious plays to the public and their Church people in particular. The theatre is called the Gateway Theatre. Plays are put on regularly during the year, and we understand that a special effort is made to provide plays every day during the Church of Scotland Assembly Week in May for ministers and others. It is reported that the proportion of religious plays presented has remained quite low, as it is said that good religious plays are hard to find. No doubt the non-religious plays presented under the directorship of Rev. George Candler will provide welcome entertainment to poor, worldly, carnally minded ministers and members of the Church of Scotland. It is all very sad. The religious rot in Scotland has eaten in much more deeply to the religious life of the country than many suppose, and in this connection it was deplorable to read that the Temperance Committee of the
Church of Scotland Assembly, in its report, recommended that Kirk Sessions of their congregations should examine the scripts of all plays to be performed in their buildings. That is, in their Churches and Church halls throughout Scotland. What was the reason for this Week in May, for ministers and others. It is reported that the proper examination? It was, “that on the stage realism with regard to the use of alcohol can easily pass into tolerance and even into approval.” The proper recommendation ought to have been that Kirk Sessions throughout their Church should pass a resolution of condemnation on the carnal practice of having any plays at all in connection with their Church. But, no! Purge the plays but don’t cleanse the Church of the plays. Such religious leaders and guides are only “play acting” at seeking to conserve moral and religious standards.