ATTITUDE TO WAR

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 60, Issue 31, 16 November 1939, Page 6

ATTITUDE TO WAR

METHODIST SYNOD’S VIEWS. TO SECURE PERMANENT PEACE. ■» SPECIFIC DECLARATION URGED. A resolution to request the New Zealand Government to use its influence with the British Government to induce it t ; o declare the specific terms upon which it is prepared to make peace, was carried at yesterday’s session of the annual Synod of the South Canterbury Methodist. Church. The resolution was passed after delegates expressed the belief that no peace treaty made in the vindictive atmosphere of victory and defeat can oyer be _ a permanent peace. The resolution added that it was the opinion of the synod that the’ governments concerned should arrange a. conference between the belligerents to end the war and bring about a lasting peace. A further resolution adopted at the conference stated that the synod reaffirmed the finding of the conference of 1936 on the subject of peace and war, to the effect that war is a crime against humanity and must he utterly repudiated as a method of settling international disputes and that it pledged its support to every endeavour to makb these pacts and pledges effective. A third resolution expressed the disappointment and sorrow of the synod that war had again broken out among the nations of the world, and asked the people to pray and work for the’ reestablishment of peace.

POSITION OF MINISTERS. ADDRESS TO AUCKLAND SYNOD. AUCKLAND, November 15. ‘ ‘The Methodist Church. in New Zealand is divided in its attitude to wai. Some feel they should do nothing, but others are desirous of bearing arms or rendering non-combatant service. Personally, X respect sincere, honest men of conviction of both views,” said the Rev. P. Copeland (district chairman) in his opening address to the Auckland Methodist Synod to-day, referring to the grave world situation. He urged that synod be just in thencomments on the unsuccessful labours of the leaders to solve international dsputes by negotiation and not by resort to force. He appealed to synod not to allow this issue to become such as to imperil the essential work of the Church. “Let there be mutual respect for tiie opinions of all and let an endeavoui lie made to maintain unity of spirit in the bond of peace,” he added. “The nulpit ought not to be used for recruiting on the one hand, nor for pacifist propaganda on 'the other. Ministers should remember they _ are ministers of the whole Church’ and accept the limitations of. their position.” “HITLER’S DOWNFALLL ” ANCIENT PROPHECY IN POEM. A RUINED GERMANY. LONDON, October 17. It is recorded that a twelfth century poem, foretelling Hitler’s downfall, is being circulated in parts of Western Germany. It has created such an impression, and so many Germans have read it, that the Gestapo are at thenwits’ end to trace its distributors .

The poem, printed in secret, is believed to have been written by a monk in a famous monastery in Brandenburg, and many of its prophecies have already come true. The twelfth century writer describes the Kaiser’s rise to power, the Great War and the flight of the German monarch. The poem then goes on to foretell how, despite a period of peace, the world is greatly troubled by a man who rises from obscurity to the highest position in Germany. This man, the poet declares, will make a “Great- Germany” and will also drive many Jews out of the country.

But, when he is at the height of his power, this leader will drag Germany into another, great war, and from it Germany will emerge ruined and smashed.

A new and glorious monarch will then reign over a smaller Germany and, by his wise guidance* a true and lasting peace will come on the world. The poet also mentions that, during these troubled times, there will be a Pope who does much for peace, even though he has not long been elected. During these critical times, this Pope will be forced to leave Rome for a time.

Millions of Catholics in Western Germany have been 'profoundly impressed by this poem, and there is already wide speculation as to which of Germany’s exiled princes will he the monarch to come.