Baptists” Attitude To Racial Issues

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30278, 2 November 1963, Page 12

Baptists” Attitude To Racial Issues

(New Zealand Press Association) AUCKLAND, November 1. Arising from what it called the “recently publicised attitude on racial issues of some people calling themselves Baptists in the southern states of America,’’ the 81st assembly of the New' Zealand Baptist Union today issued a statement on race relationships.

The assembly said that as Christians it could not recognise any discriminations between peoples on the grounds of race or colour, nor could it agree with any group anywhere which practised discrimination in any form. "At the same time." the statement said, “we recognise that the problems facing

multi-racial societies »re so complex that caution is necessary in passing judgment on situations we inadequately understand.”

The assembly urged its people to: “Give ttianks to God for the measure of racial harmony existing in New Zealand.

"Seek to understand and appreciate people od other racial backgrounds, realising •that both we and they can be enriched in the process. “Seek to drew all people of ether racial and cultural backgrounds into the fellowship of our churches. Maoris, Asians and Europeans together can do much in dispelling prejudice. "Work for the removal of basic injustices over such things as employment and

A government for the people must depend for its success on the intelligence, the morality, the justice, and the interest of the people themselves. —Grover Cleveland.