THE CHURCHES, CHAPLAINS AND MILITARY SERVICE

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 33, 2 November 1917, Page 6

THE CHURCHES, CHAPLAINS AND MILITARY SERVICE

Sir,—l understand that the Government, or Defence authorities, invite certain Churches to provide chaplains, and that tho, State pays for their services. No provision whatever is made by tho State, I understand, for tho spiritual needs of the soldiers belonging to 6ma'it Churches or to so-called "fancy" religions. ■ In tho circumstances, can it: be said that the Stato is discharging duty fairly and impartially (in--this connection) by our soldiers?

Is it true that larger demands are. made on the Anglican Church than 011.. the other Churches in connection with tho supply of clmplainsP If so, why? Has any Church refused or found itself unable to supply chaplains when called upon by the Government to do so? It is surely in the public interest that; tho Minister of Defenco should publicly announce the principles which determine his selection and appointment of chaplains. How many men must a. Church; supply before it is entitled to be represented by a chaplain? Why is no provision niado for the smaller religious bodies? Is it true that every soldier (whether or not his Church is represented by a chaplain) must attend Teligiotm service on Sundays or do fatigue duty. Ig the demand made by the State, °n the Roman Catholio and the Anglican Churches for the supply of chaplains so much greater (relatively, to their respective numerical strength in our reinforce* ments) that it justified those two Churches in claiming exemption for every one of their clergy 60 far conscripted? , ~ In fact, the whole question of i thS' State's connection with the provision, made for the supply of military chaplains calls for full and searching inquiry. I should be very much surprised', if a clergyman belonging to any Church, would decline his services as chaplainif asked by the Minister of Defence to act in that capacity. One thing can,bo said for the Wellington Unitarian. Church, small in numbers though it be, not a single member eligible for warservice has (I have reason to believe) sofar claimed exemption. Of how manyother Churches can this much be said-— 1 am - etc - UNITARIAN.