29 MARCH 1935, Page 18

THE OXFORD GROUPS , IN NORWAY [To the Editor of THE

SPECTATOR.]

SIR,—In view of the recent correspondence in your columns- on the " Oxford Group in Norway," it may interest your readers to know what responsible Norwegians have written on the occasion of the Norwegian National House Party for training leadership, March 14th to 19th, 1935.

" We believe that the Oxford Group's coming is a turning-point in Norway's history."—Professor Dr. H. H. Gran ; Professor Dr. Paul Heegaard ; Professor Dr. Haakon Isaachsen ; Professor Dr: S. Mowinckel, three of them professorg at Oslo University Dr. Isaachsen, professor at the State University of Agriculture.

" The Oxford Group's work in Norway has been even greater than anyone could have prophesied. For thousands of people it has been a light in the darkness and hasshown away to the objective. That its spirit may become living and active in every part of the nation is a greater and clearer hope than any of a material nature." ---Stortingspresident C. J. Hambro, Parliamentary leader of the Conservative Party.

" We', from a socialistic point of view, who look on the working peoples' struggle for common social and economic interests as a condition for progress, have no reason whatever to underestimate the impulse for good which goes out from Jesus' Sermon on the Mount. And since the Oxford Group has taken the Sermon on the Mount as its point of departure, I am sure that some good,' or rather much good, is coming out of this movement."—Carl Bonnevie, Member of the Parliament Labour Party.

" The Oxford Group has come as afresh impetus into our Christian, political, and social conventioniilities.—J. Steren, Bishop of Trondheim.

" The Oxford Group's message and work has already brought with it lifechanging and renewal for thousands here in Norway. Greater things lie ahead. The Salvation Ariny rejoices Over the victory God's Kingdom is winning in- these days."—Commander Karl Larsson, Head of the Salvation Army in Norway.

" The Oxford Group has brought -a new spirit to our country. This new spirit is needed as much in sport as in every other part of life."—Charles Hoff, Editor of The Sportsman.