WAR SERVICE.

Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 237, 5 October 1940, Page 7

WAR SERVICE.

CLERGY'S POSITION.

QUESTION OF EXEMPTION.

Matters concerning ministers of the Church, national service and conscientious objectors have been explored for some time past by the public questions committee of the Presbyterian Church of New Zealand, in conjunction with representatives of other Churches, and approaches have been made to the Government. Finality has been reached at last, and the "Outlook" publishes recent decisions of the War Cabinet that hare been notified by the Prime Minis-ter,-the Rt. Hon. P. Fraser.

These are that (1) where cle:

men in holy orders, or regular ministers of any denomination, including Marat or Christian Brothers, home missionaries or religious teachers, are called in a ballot, the head of their Church may lodge an appeal certifying that the calling up of such men is contrary to public interest; (2) that where theological students and students of Marist Brothers' training schools are called in a ballot the head of the Church may make a similar appeal; (3) that appeals on conscientious grounds be dealt with after considering the merits of each individual case, and where it is established that the appellant holds the genuine belief that it is wrong to engage in warfare in any circumstances, the appeal will be allowed and a recommendation made that alternative service be given. - Tribunal's Attitade. The. Prime Minister states that appellate tribunals will be recommended to adjourn sine die appeals on behalf of clergy and students. It was unlikely that any. actual hearing of the cases would.be necessary. The public questions committee has recommended the Moderator of the Presbyterian Church to appeal for all ministers aad home missionaries drawn ia the recent Territorial serrice ballot

unless they expressly desire otherwise.; The Theological Hall committee is taking responsibility for theological students, both in advising the Moderator as to what action he should take and' in acquainting the students with the position.

The public questions committee, while] it realises that each man must be allowed to decide for himself whether or | not he shall allow the Church to appeal]' for him, has pointed out to the men concerned that, in its opinion, it is of; the utmost importance that the work of the Church should be carried on as| nearly as possible at full strength during h these difficult days. Spiritual Heeds. u The Government has decided that no medical man shall be allowed to go as a combatant; and that those not required for medical service with the * forces shall remain behind to care for t the health of the people at home. The committee feels that the spiritual health <j of the community is as important as its j physical health, and that those ministers ( not required for servioe as chaplains to , the forces should remain and care for > the spiritual welfare of the people. J _ On the subject of conscientious objection, the committee impresses upon .young men the necessity for clear and honest thinking. The Assembly does 5 , uphold them in the liberty of their con-! [ science, and it does expect that their j convictions will be the result of a seri-! j ous consideration of their responsibili-, r ties as citizens as well aa members of! s the Christian Church. Before appealing' j under the conscientious objectors' clause ( a man should not only feel convinced, 1 _ that war is evil, but should have aj B genuine belief that it is wrong for Ijimj' Jto take part in warfare in any ' 1 circumstances. j'