No condemnation
The Christchurch commmittee of the National Council of Churches has saidthat it was unable to condemn people who felt "conscience-bound to obey God rather than man" in their actions against the Springbok tour and apartheid.
A statement by the committee said that it supported the rule of law but could not condemn those who had "responsibily decided that apartheid is so great an evil and their solidarity with the oppressed so strong that they must go beyond the law in acts of civil disobedience and suffer the full consequences of their actions."
Any protest must be balanced by a regard for the rights of others and an appreciation for the difficult task confronting the police, said the committee.
It commended the police for their restraint at Hamilton but viewed "with deep concern" the use of batons and the presence of police dogs in Wellington.
“We believe such measures will only deepen the determination of future protesters, escalate the level of violence, and spoil the good relationship between the police and the public which has been a feature of New Zealand life for many years," the committee said.
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Press, 4 August 1981, Page 7
Word Count
189No condemnation Press, 4 August 1981, Page 7
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