THE CHURCHES AND WORLD POLITICS

Press, Volume LXXIII, Issue 21990, 14 January 1937, Page 4

THE CHURCHES AND WORLD POLITICS

TO THE EDITOB OF THE PRESS Sir,—Many thanks for my right of reply on “The Churches and World Politics,” It is a great pity that the various scribes chose to leave the original subject matter, and in so doing turned controversey on this grave topic into an argument on 'religion. This, in my opinion, is a very convenient way of the real issues at stake. Being alive to this old method of avoiding the true issues under discussion, I from the start did not fall for the old bait. As an old writer, and one who has had much experience in debating on many subjects, I have found that wander-

ing off into side issues leads one nowhere. I hope I shall be excused for this gentle rebuke. Among the scribes I found some deep thinkers, and I am truly sorry that even they transgressed, and were led somewhat into purposely set traps. 'Die issue at stake is, “The churches and world politics,” and again I here rebuke them in that they have joined with the State, that they have caused to be read from the pulpit a resolution stating in unmistakable terms their set intention to suppress any political party which does not suit them. They say that they do not want communism or fascism. It is ridiculous'in face of their own statement to this effect; and yet they take sides. I shall riot add nor take away one jot nor tittle from my previous indictment against the action of the churches in this fast looming bitter struggle—fascism v. communism. My advice to the churches is to keep out; and I am sure that is timely advice, because the coming struggle for world power (and here I measure my words) will be fought to the bitter end. There will be no compromise; notice the bitterness in, Spain. That is only a very small indication of the major political struggle in the near future. If the churches, any or all, continue as they are now doing, it simply means joining the political suicide club. The cards have been tabled—a shuffle and a reshuffle, the cards are dealt —but alas, if the churches gamble in affairs which do not concern them they will find to their sorrow that In the gamble for riches and worldly possessions and power the cards are stacked against them. Again I leave them to their waywardness.—Yours, gtc PRAVIGEBLA. January 13, 1937. [This correspondence is now closed.— Ed., “The Press.”]