Evening Argus: This is what causes the 'Teddy' gangs

20 May 1954

An Anglican vicar, speaking at Hove Town Hall last night said the Edwardian gangs of today were caused by a feeling of lack of security. ''Today the Edwardian gangs are people looking for security. They should be able to see in Christian people the conviction and assurance - that gives security.'' Said the Rev. Julian Rudd, vicar of St. Francis of Assisi, Bournemouth.

He was one of two speakers at one of the national Anglo-Catholic Progress rallies which are now being held all over the country to proclaim 'Christ the King.' Most people felt they were going to go 'up in smoke very shortly', said Mr. Rudd, and were suffering from fear, tension and strain because they had no faith. "Seventy-five per cent of illness in the world today is not physical but because people are trying to live without Christ."

The Rev. Donald Dix, vicar of St.Matthias, Malvern Link, Worcs., said that if Christ was not God, then he was 'either a madman or a practical joker'. The Christian's duty was to practise the teachings of Christ and win others over to the faith