Totalitarianism concern

Press, 25 June 1984, Page 9

Totalitarianism concern

Issues from George Orwell’s book, “Nineteen Eighty-four,” will be explored by Christians throughout New Zealand this week.

Christian Action annual programme deigned to help New Zealanders explore the major issues of the day, was launched in Christchurch yesterday, by the Catholic Bishop of Christchurch, the Most Rev. B. P. Ashby. It was also launched in Auckland in a sermon by an Assistant Bishop of Auckland, the Rt Rev. Godfrey Wilson.

The co-ordinator of Christian Action Week, the Rev. Michael Elliot, said that Orwell’s book raised issues relevant to contemporary New Zealand society and the snap election brought these into sharper focus. Now Christians had the chance to base their voting on Christian principles rather than on political promises, he said. Bishop Ashby said yesterday that Christians could evaluate three of Orwell’s concepts in the book: “freedom is slavery,” “war is

peace,” and “ignorance is strength.” To take steps out of apathy was to prove “Nineteen Eighty-four” right and Christian Action Week offered a chance to take a step along the path of peace, he said.

Christian Action Week was first launched in 1979, and has raised issues of unemployment, the “think big” strategy, racism, and housing. Activities in Christchurch during the week would be confined mainly to congregations.