Plans for year's drive against moral pollution

BY A STAFF REPORTER THE theme of the activities planned by the Nationwide Festival of Light for 1972 as a follow-up to the big London rallies in Trafalgar Square and Hyde Park last September is "Land Aflame." The rallies achieved international publicity. and in the view of many indicated that the silent majority had found its voice on the subject of moral pollution.
Plans announced this week make it clear that the festival intends to continue its twofold purpose of social involvement plus evangelism, and attempts will be made during the year to reach out into "every city, town and village" in the country "making a stand against moral pollution and proclaim ing Christ's transforming power." '
A launching rally is to be held in Westminster Central Hall on Thursday, March 16 at 6.30 p.m. Those taking part include the Anglican Bishop of Norwich, Dr. Maurice Wood; R. F. R. Gardner, author of a recent book on abortion, Raymond Johnston', university lecturer from Newcastle; Larry Norman, top Jesus People singer and the man who originated the "One Way" sign of the Jesus movement, and Jimmy Tipp, a young husband from London's East End.
FAMILIAR FIGURES Several familiar figures from last September will also take part, including Col. Orde Dobbie, chairman of the festi val's executive committee; Nigel Goodwin, of the Christian Arts Centre, who will be the Presenter; Peter Hill, the festival's joint honorary secretary, and the Rev. Eddy Stride, rector of Spitalfields.
As at the festival's inaugural rally last September the London Emmanuel Choir will lead the singing.
March 16 will also he publication day of the book which tells the story of the festival ". . And There Was Light," by John Capon (Lutterworth Press, 35p).
The purpose of the rally will be to launch the "Land Aflame" programme for 1972. During the following three months it is hoped to establish 600 centres throughput the country from which teams will visit towns and villages to present the message of the festival in the open air, not only by traditional methods but by such means as street theatre.
These will be the responsibility of the 150 or so regional co-ordinators, some of whom have already met in conference in London last Saturday. Others will be meeting at Sheffield on February 26 and Exeter on March 11.
PROVINCIAL RALLIeS There will also be provincial rallies in main towns and cities including Aylesbury (tomorrow and Sunday). Portsmouth (next Wednesday). Southampton (next Friday) and Sheffield on March 18.
From June to August a series of Festivals for Jesus will take place at key centres throughout the country, culminating in a five-day festival in London from August 30 to September 3.
The festival is throwing its weight behind the National Petition for Public Decency sponsored by the National Viewers and Listeners' Association, which calls on the government to reform the present Obscenity Law.