History Page 1

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Northern Ireland
Why another Uniformed
Youth Movement?

During the year 2002 the Campaigner Movement celebrated its 80th anniversary - founded in l922 by the Rev. Colin C. Kerr. Believing that God had spoken to him founded a movement for both boys and girls. Between the hours of midnight and 3 a.m. the movement was born, inspired by the Holy Spirit and within the space of three hours the general outline became clear.

Although there were other organisations Colin Kerr felt Campaigners were necessary because (a) There was a denial of fundamental beliefs in youth work - Christianity was seen as one among many. (b) Children were brought up to regard Jesus Christ as a good man NOT the Divine Son of God. (c) many of the leaders of youth organisations had no personal faith in Jesus Christ and (d) Sunday was being commercialised and often seen as a day out. Hence Campaigners were to be Christ Centred, Church based and Christian led.

The Campaigner Movement is neither military nor political. It seeks by means of its various activities to develop a personal faith in Jesus Christ as Saviour and Lord and to bear witness to the need for Christian thoroughness in all the relationships of life; thus the Motto 'UNTO HIM' and the Password 'THROUGH AND THROUGH'

It is true to say there is quite a Scottish flavour in many of the terms used for example the minister of the church to which the Campaigners is attached is called the Chaplain, the leaders are called Chiefs the boys and girls and young people are clansmen, the collective unit is a Clan and the official magazine is known as Clan Life. The Movement is interdenominational but a Clan can only be formed in a place of worship where the minister/Pastor or Ruling Elder agrees with the Statement of Faith and is prepared to sign the Registration form showing that he or she is in accordance with the principles and methods of Campaigners.

The Chiefs who are nominated by that person must be committed Christians and regular attenders week by week at the church to which the clan is attached. Chiefs must also complete the Chiefs Declaration confirming their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ as their personal Saviour, their belief in the total inspiration of the Holy Scriptures, their endeavour, with God's help to bring those entrusted to their care into this living faith, their agreement with the aims and methods of the Movement and their willingness to complete the necessary training course.

History records that the first boy's clan was formed in London in 1922 followed by a girl's clan in the same church in 1923. By 1939 some 275 clans had been formed in England but by 1943 the first clans were formed in Scotland and in l944 the first clans commenced in Wales.

History Page 2