Programme to combat racism approved

Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32531, 15 February 1971, Page 2

Programme to combat racism approved

(N Z. Press Association)

HAMILTON, Feb. 14

The World Council of Churches programme to combat racism was given unanimous approval at the meeting of the W.C.C. central committee in Addis Adaba in January, said the Bishop of Waikato (the Rt Rev. A. H. Johnston) in Hamilton yesterday.

Bishop Johnston, who left Hamilton on December 27 to attend the meeting, said he was impressed by the degree of unaniminity on most of the issues raised.

“The programme to combat racism in all its aspects received full consideration—and the programme, as previously formulated in 1968 and 1969, was given unanimous approval,” he said. “In Adis Ababa, several churches cabled financial grants for the programme, and it is hoped that member churches will continue to support the special appeals,” he said.

Bishop Johnston said that the refugee problem with which the W.C.C. had been concerned for many years was now shifting its emphasis from Europe to Africa. “Arrangements were made to allow for greater involvement in the needs of refugees throughout Africa,” he said.

There was also discussion of the appeal to assist the Canadian Council of Churches in helping draft-age immigrants from the United States.

“The committee fully endorsed the assurance of the director that this is regarded in exactly the same way as all refugee programmes—namely, as a service to individual people who have become refugees without any judgment on the particular reasons which have driven them to their present situation.

“The committee hopes that the appeal will be understood in this light—so that the Canadian churches will be able to continue their present service for refugees.” Bishop Johnston said that his visit to Ethiopia had

been “intensely interesting.” “It was an interesting experience to be in contact with the ancient Church of Ethiopia which has roots far back in history and virtually no Western influence.”

An unusual experience had been to take part in two Christmas Days—one in New Zealand before he left on December 25 and another about two weeks later; the Ethiopian Christmas Day. This also applied to Epiphany, a major festival in Ethiopia, where the association with the baptism of the Lord was an interesting feature. Bishop Johnston also attended the Synod of the Canadian Anglican Church and a meeting of the General Council of the ’ United Church there.