METHODISTS AND WAR

Press, Volume LXXVI, Issue 22909, 4 January 1940, Page 6

METHODISTS AND WAR

PRESIDENT COMMENTS ON RESOLUTIONS

REPLY TO BIBLE CLASS CONVENTION

"ENLISTMENTS WILL EQUAL OTHER CHURCHES" "It is not in any sense the feeling of the Methodist Conference," said the Rev. Angus Mcßean, of Ashburton (Dominion president), in a telephone conversation with "The Press" last evening, when asked to comment on the resolutions on war of the Methodist Young Men's Bible Class Dominion Convention in Wellington.

"The pacifist movement is very strong among a certain section which is very influential in the conven-

tioh," he continued. Mr Mcßean later said that many of the officials were ardent pacifists and they would probably sway the opinion of the convention.

"My own conviction, from my recent travels through New Zealand as Dominion president, is that young men of the Methodist Church rea-, lise their responsibilities in the pre/ sent crisis and, personally, I that enlistments from our denoMnation will be equal to those of any other church," the president stated. "The official pronouncement on war of the Methodist Conference was made some time ago, and that was not in any sense a pacifist state-; ment," Mr Mcßean said. While regretting the necessity for enlistment, the pronouncement urged the young men Jo take their full share of the responsibility, but recommended that the decision" 1 of individuals for either course on their personal convictions should be respected. , "The pacifist element is strong in that convention, but I do not think that the resolution represents the general feeling of the young men of the Methodist Church to that extent. Our young men will be there," the president concluded.

REFUSAL TO - .SERVE

ATTITUDE TO WAR STATED

METHODIST YOUNG MEN'S BIBLI CLASS MOVEMENT feMSSS ASSOCIAtiOS TELEGRAM.) ■WELLINGTON, January 3. After a long discussion oh the subject of war arid peace, the following motion was passed at the annual con* vention of the Methodist Young Men's Bible Class movement: — . _ " "This convention recommends to its members, and all members of the Christian Church who believe that all war, including the one in which our nation is at present engaged, is contrary to the spirit and teaching of Jesus Christ our Lord, that the "way of the Cross is tile ozily xnetfaocS of conquering ovn.

" (a) To follow that way unswervingly, refusing enlistment, preparation* for war, and all non-combatant service under military control; and "(b) to endeavour, by the grace of God, to understand and serve all mefi irrespective of nationality and to persuade them that the only hope for the individual and for the world lies in following the teaching and example oi Jesus."

This motion- was carried by 44 votes to three. , - On the subject of compulsory mill* . tary service, the following motion wsl carried by 38 votes to 11: "While re* cognising a loyalty to the country and Empire of which we are members, this convention reasserts the Historic stand ■ of the Christian Church in affirming that the Christian has a higher lpjfaKyV that to his Lord and Master, >ftsus Christ, and to truth as it is reveaiea to him by the grace of God. Believing, therefore that the conscription Of: human life for war purposes is unwary rantable interference with the liberty and conscience of the citizen, we urge the Government to stand firm in its re» fusal to legislate for compulsory military service."