OBJECTIONS TO ARMED SERVICE

Dominion, Volume 34, Issue 142, 12 March 1941, Page 6

OBJECTIONS TO ARMED SERVICE

Conscientious Grounds

CONGREGATIONAL UNION TO DISCUSS ATTITUDE

Dominion Special Service.

DUNEDIN, March 11. Au indication that the Congregational Union of New Zealand may, during its annual assembly, which is now sitting in Dunedin, discuss its attitude toward conscientious objection to military service, was given at a meeting of the assembly today, when a motion embodying an affirmation of loyalty was brought before delegates. The motion read as follows: —“That this assembly of the Congregational Union of New Zealand, meeting in this solemn hour of national crisis, steadfastly affirms it-s allegiance to the King as head of the British Commonwealth and to the ideals and hopes which are the highest heritage of his people. The assembly units with men of goodwill everywhere In prayer that national counsels may be Divinely guided to the attainment of a lasting peace based on justice, freedom and truth.” Mr. E. H. Reynolds (Wellington) said he thought that the motion Should be more specific and define the opinion of the Church to conscientious objectors. If asked whether the Church was for or against war, what were they to reply? The chairman, the Rev. C. Cannell Hoskin, explained that, according to Congregational principles, the motion, if passed, represented the opinion of individual churches-and not the opinion of the Church as a whole. The question raised by Mr. Reynolds had nothing to do with the motion, which was merely an affirmation of loyalty to the Crown. The Rev. J. H. Harris (Dunedin) said he still considered that the position should be clarified.

The chairman pointed out that it was open for any young man to appeal against military service on conscientious grounds, and it was competent for any minister to support an appeal, provided that he was convinced of its genuineness. The resolution was then adopted and it was decided that the reference committee should be asked to find a place on the agenda paper for discussion of the question of conscientious objectors.