World Council of Churches

Press, 16 September 1987, Page 18

World Council of Churches

Sir,—l do dispute the claim (September 11) that the World Council of Churches is a communist “front” Its origins are far older for a start. Christians who dare to examine facts recognise capitalism’s responsibility for Third World impoverishment and starvation. Capitalist competition always has losers. Was Sue Hunt not taught not to be selfish? Did she not teach her children similarly? Then why does she not want similar principles in the economy? The League of Rights is dishonest in describing socialism as oppressive. It may limit extreme dissension, but is far more open to popular influence. People have much greater power over public expenditure; about half of an industry’s profits are used by the community to provide services and care. A lowpaid worker’s children may ski, fly, horse-ride and will get totally free education and medical care. Here some are controlled and limited by poverty and unemployment; privilege dictates. — Yours, etc., SUSAN TAYLOR. September 11, 1987.

Sir,—Susan' Taylor’s letter (September 7) appears to be irrelevant under this heading. However, I would like to reply to some of her statements. God is far from being a “phantasy” to many thousands of her fellow citizens who know Him personally as real and near; a pardoning God giving peace and fulfilment, on repentance and faith in a real Saviour. I am referring to a cross-section of the community. Our society has become decadent to the extent that the attitude towards the Bible, expressed by your correspondent, has eroded the values of the moral law and the Gospel, leaving a vacuum which empty philosophies can not fill. Communism is a poor "ideal” to follow? Many communist lands are experiencing serious shortages of basic human needs,

while basic human rights are denied those who refuse to conform. — Yours, etc., H. G. ORAM. September 10,1987;