Church Leaders On Road Safety

Press, Volume C, Issue 29674, 18 November 1961, Page 14

Church Leaders On Road Safety

“The executive of the National Council of Churches, after consultation with its members, strongly- supports the New Zealand Rond Safety Council and the Transport Department in their efforts to bring the message of personal responsibility in road safety to all citizens,’’ said the Rev. R. Thornley, president of the National Council of Churches, yesterday. i “Whether they are pedestrians or drivers, members of all churches must meet the social challenge of ensuring a high degree of courtesy and bringing a renewed sense of responsibility for their neighI hours who use the highways,” he said. A special appeal has been sent to ministers of all New Zealand churches to make reference to this in their sermons on November 26, Road Safety Sunday. “In some ways road users tend to be very selfrighteous,” said Mr Thornley. “Very often we hear our friends describe some incident where ‘the other person’ was in the wrong. This is far too common, and no Christian can subscribe to the belief that all other road users are potential law-breakers while he himself is perfect in the way he makes use of the highways. Dignity Of Man

“In recent years there has been an alarming increase in the number of traffic offences. Though many of these breaches are minor, there is no valid excuse for them. Jesus Christ taught us new things about the dignity of man and, since His coming, man has had a greater reverence for human life. The complexity and pace of modern living sometimes make us forget the message contained in the words: •Whatsoever you would that men should do unto you, do you even so unto them.'

“Tie road safety problem is a moral and spiritual one and I am sure the churches will do all they can to awaken the public conscience,” said Mr Thornley. Archbishop McKeefry, who is absent from New Zealand on a visit to Rome, has asked all Roman Catholic parish priests to draw the attention ot their congregations on Sunday, November 26, to the increased accident rate in the Dominion, the recklessness responsible for so many lives being lost, and the grave responsibility on motorists to do everything to prove that they are conscious of their responsibilities when on the road. The following statement has been issued in his absence by the Vicar-General of the archdiocese of Wellington (the Rt. Rev. Monsignor A. J. Mcßae): Catholic Appeal “That we may not commit murder is the law of God, not only given to us through His servant, Moses, but written also in the heart of every man. Killing is the ultimate in violence, all degrees of which come under the ban of this commandment, which condemns any action at all needlessly endangering the life or safety of any person. “It is surprising, therefore, to find today that a blind spot has developed in the consciences of many people, who are otherwise lawabiding and conscientious, intelligent and responsible. I refer to the careless, not to say reckless, use of motor vehicles. “It is for this reason that I appeal to every driver to reflect seriously upon the obligation he assumes when in charge of a car or other vehicle. From the legal point of view, neglect of such obligation is criminal. What is far worse, from the religious and moral standpoint, it is sinful. “The hallmark of the Christian, as laid down by Christ Himself, is the love that he has for his fellow men. The mark of the upright man is his regard for the rights of others. It is on these two counts of justice and of charity that I most earnestly appeal to the people of our land to play their part in keeping our highways safe.”