AN UNFORTUNATE ATTITUDE

Dominion, Volume 35, Issue 43, 14 November 1941, Page 6

AN UNFORTUNATE ATTITUDE

It is unfortunate that the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church should have publicly criticized the administration of the National Service Regulations without giving clear reasons for its attitude. During the Assembly in Timaru on Monday the important national question of conscientious objection to military service was discussed. But the discussion was in private, and the only key to it is contained in a motion affirming the Assembly’s determination to uphold freedom of conscience, and expressing, “disappointment that the Government regulations concerning national service are being so unsatisfactorily, administered and to those who suffer in consequence offers its sympathy and assures them that the Church will continue to minister to all her sons and daughters in whatever direction loyalty to Christ may lead them.” Such a motion is not only cryptic, but also disturbing at a tim« when too many young men are finding encouragement, of one sort and another, to become objectors. The General Assembly is a widely representative and very responsible body, which, in the past, has always been a citadel of considered opinion, based on the highest national interests. For such a body to pass sweeping judgment, without explanation of that judgment, is surely unprecedented. In what manner are the National Service Regulations being unsatisfactorily administered? Who are those who suffer and whose position calls for sympathy ? These are questions which should,, and must, be threshed out if a serious cleavage of opinion is to be avoided. A large body of the public is regarding with disquiet, not the alleged sufferings of objectors, but the continuing delay in having them placed on a footing in the community commensurate with the stand so many have been permitted—if not assisted —to take. If the General Assembly is able to bring forward cases in which justice has miscarried, by all means these should be instanced.