GROUP INTERESTS

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 63, Issue 220, 28 June 1943, Page 3

GROUP INTERESTS

EXCLUSIVE BODIES CONDEMNED.

ORGANISATION OF THE STATE.

DECLARATION BY ARCHBISHOPS

(N.Z. Press Association—Copyright.) (Rec. 12.30.) SYDNEY. This Day. ■Over their joint signature, the Anglican and Roman Catholic Archbishops of Sydney, Dr. Mowll and Dr. Gilroy respectively, have issued ,a joint statement condemning Nazism, Fascism, or any “organisation of the State in the exclusive interests of a. group, whether capitalists or workers.”

Their statement, which is the first joint declaration by the Churches, aims to define the basis for the postwar reconstruction of society according to the principles of Christianity. It deplores the decline of the part played by religion in public affairs, with its attendant tendency to regulate life by purely economic standards.

“Christians,”' declared the statement, are in duty bound to plan and work for the reconstruction of society on a Christian basis so as to obtain the right order for the nation and cooperation among all men ” A long document; sets out Christian principles to which mil men must adhere, adding that disregard of charity and justice by individuals and the people has been responsible for current national and international disorders. It defines the duties of the State toward its citizens and of citizens toward the State, and of mil men toward one another. It emphasises the individuality of man, his right to personal freedom and the duty of the State to protect common rights by preventing the concentration of power in the hands of the few.

Christian education to develop not only the intellect but the character, the maintenance of family life against all modern disintegrating influences, and co-operation between capital and labour are scon as essential features of a sound social order.

Emphasising the duties of every individual to his fellow men, the statement says: “All men are required to undertake certain mutual obligations, such as the faithful discharge of all obligations, whether as parents, children. employers, employees, friends or neighbou rs.