China

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31753, 9 August 1968, Page 10

China

Sir, —I have read Father de Jaegher’s opinions. Why should religious leaders be allowed so much space? I see no real difference between Roman Catholic and Communist followers; they both follow the leaders without thinking for themselves. One thing is obvious: the Catholics have lost a lot of land and money in China and Asia, so its only natural they should object. It is their fight, so let them get on with it and leave the rest of us to our own opinions.— Yours, etc., T. L. EVANS. August 7, 1968. Sir, —“P.J.A.” fools nobody. To ask pettishly where “A. B. Cedarian" obtained his information reflects his unrealistic approach to facts well known to all. China expelled missionaries because Christianity was not acceptable to the Government, even though the majority of Chinese were satisfied. “P.J.A.” has been taken for a ride in a junk, if he is so gullible as to believe that Chinese youth do not attend church through reasons of superstition. They do not attend because they are actively encouraged not to, by means of indoctrination and suppression of Christian activity. For “P.J.A.” to state that visitors in China attend services, and then suggest there are more practising Chinese than New Zealanders does not bring credit to their Government when one sees the oppression of Christianity there.—Yours, etc., ESTIMATION. August 8, 1968.

Sir, —In his little literary exercise on China, “P.J.A.” forgot to tell us about Jesuits carrying little bottles of poison in their pockets.—Yours, etc., T. August 7, 1968. [This correspondence is now closed.—Ed., “The Press.”]