THANKS TO GOD.

Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 83, 8 April 1940, Page 3

THANKS TO GOD.

FREEDOM OF WORSHIP. BISHOP BRODIK SPEAKS. (By Telegraph.— Press Association.) CHRISTCHURCH, Sunday. A contrast between Xew Zealand, with its freedom of worship, and other countries where religion was opposed by persecution, was emphasised by Bishop Brodie in a sermon at the Centennial service in the Roman Catholic Cathedral to-day. "Contemporary history tells us," he said, "of nations whose religion and most sacred principles are thwarted and opposed by persecution, even unto martyrdom. Coming to our own lands, where we enjoy a citizenship in which personal faith" is held in respect, we thank God that our Government and civic authorities invite us to commemorate our Centenary of nationhood. We do so most readily and most fervently. "The freedom of worship which is enjoyed by citizens in every part of the British Dominions prompts us to invoke the exhortation, 'Let us give thanks to God, for this is truly meet and just.' "If present days be darkened by the gloom of war, that gloom is brightened by the thought that Xew Zealand's sons will eclipse the generosity and bravery of the Great War. by the response they will make to a cause far surpassing in urgency and sacredness the motives of the call to duty which summoned our men to arms in 1914, and which brought forth deeds of heroism which have written Xew Zealand's name in letters of gold in the world's history."