STAND BY CHURCH

Evening Post, Volume CXXVIII, Issue 64, 13 September 1939, Page 4

STAND BY CHURCH

JUSTICE OF THE CAUSE

(Special to the "Evening Post.") . AUCKLAND, This Day. A statement on the war adopted by the standing committee on international relationships of the Presbyterian Church of New Zealand was submitted to the Auckland Presbytery last night and discussed in committee. "At this grave juncture," said the committee, "when the, British Empire is at war with Germany for the rule of law as against ruthless force . the Presbyterian Church reaffirms her loyalty to the Throne1 and constituted authority in the Dominion, and recognises the justice of the cause in which our nation is fighting. "We acknowledge the patient efforts of the British Prime Minister to preserve peace by equitable negotiations, and the honourable manner in which Britain and France are standing by their pledged word to Poland. "We recommend our people lo respond with a due sense of civic respunsibility to such calls for service as the authorities may make. It cannot be too strongly emphasised that the essen-| tial meaning of the conflict is to make a definite stand against the use anc(j the threat of force, and to establish ihe reign of law among the nations by, means of collective security and settlement of disputes by peaceful arbitration as necessary to the world's hopes, for enduring peace." ' The committee urged resistance to the domination of hate and finally; earnestly pointed out the need of turn-; ing to God .for help and strength to: endure in the tremendous endeavour; before the people. After discussion the Presbytery de-i cided by 28 to 9 to adopt the resolution, j