SUNDAY PICTURES.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 65, Issue 195, 31 May 1945, Page 4

SUNDAY PICTURES.

Sir, —It is deplorable that certain, fortunately not all, members of the Ashburton Patriotic Committee should attempt to vilify the Ministers’ Association for protesting against the desecration of Sunday. However worthy the cause, the means employed should conform to the Divine principles of the Scriptures. In the active service edition of the Scriptures-, is a personal message from Mis Majesty the King, which I should be grateful if you would publish. A similar letter from the late President Roosevelt appears in the U.S. Services edition of the Scriptures. Let us heed His Majesty’s message, and “turn with renewed faith” to the Bible. EX SERVICEMAN.

[The King's message, dated September 15, 1039, reads: “To all serving in my Forces by sea or land, or in the air, and indeed to all my people engaged in the defence of the Realm, I commend the reading of this book. For centuries the Bible has been a wholesome and strengthening influence in our national life, and it behoves us in these momentous days to turn with renewed faith to this Divine source of comfort and inspiration.”]

Sir,— “To every one there openeth “A way and ways and a way, “And the high spul climbs the highway “And the'low soul gropes the low.” Surely E.R.P. is being somewhat unfair to the church-going folk of our town when he suggests that they would crowd out a poor class cinema entertainment on Sunday evening' Their taste would surely be a little more elevated, even for patriotic purposes. Our brave chaps and devout generals have not fought this war for the Sunday screening of pictures, but for something infinitely finer, grander and nobler. Mr Churchill has it in yesterday’s issue, “We have fought it for great principles.” All honour to the Ministers’ Association —may its backbone never wobble —all honour, too, to Mr S. W. Gower for that casting vote. I admire him tremendously. THOMAS A’KEMPIS.

Sir, —I would like to congratulate the Ministers’ Association on the stand they have taken in regard to Sunday pictures. All too often the Church is accused of being weak-kneed and spineless. It is good to see that its leaders have the courage of their convictions. I would remind E.R.P. that if Christian principles, including the honouring of the Lord’s Day, had been followed throughout the world, there would not have been a war. It was the failure courageously to uphold these principles that made it possible for Hitler and his Gestapo to gain power. Let us not fall into the same error. Surely it is not necessary to desecrate the Lord’s Day in order to raise funds for comforts for our brave boys! If a picture for patriotic purposes is desirable could it not be on a week night? M.E.J.