BAPTISTS & CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTORS
(To the Editor.)
Sir,—My attention has just been called to an article in your issue of the 22nd inst, in which you criticise a resolution adopted by the Baptist Assembly in Auckland. The resolution in question deprecated the treatment accorded certain conscientious objectors in the course of court proceedings. It is quite evident that your article was written on inadequate information as to what actually transpired at the assembly.
As a body,.the Baptists do not endorse the views held by conscientious objectors. Their record shows that. We have been proud of the honour conferred on one of our sons—Sergt. Pilot Ward, V.C. _ The title given to your leader —"Lauding the Objector" —indicates that the attitude of the assembly to the objector, as such, was completely misunderstood. The report upon which your article was based was misleading and has been dealt with by myself in the local correspondence columns. As the mover of the resolution calling attention to the unfair treatment of "certain conscientious objectors" I made no general observations, but referred to specific instances of Magisterial jibes which detracted from the dignity of an Auckland Court and definitely equated conscience with cowardice. You misquote me at «the close of your article. The sentence actually used, and read from manuscript, was: "There are circumstances in which it requires more courage to face court prosecution and public ostracism than to face an armed enemy." \
Some of these conscientious objectors may be malingerers, a few may be cowards, but it is simply not true that all are. either or both. A protest against the remarks of an Auckland Magistrate was overdue, and was best made by one who is not himself a conscientious objector. If men break the law of the land and are sent to gaol— well and good. But there is no need to taunt them as they go. Bullying tactics from the Bench simply confer martyrdom on the accused and evoke public sympathy. Which is poor psychology. .Neither I nor my church has any intention of "lauding the objector.." I trust you will be good enough to find room for this correction.—l am, etc.,
ALEXANDER HODGE. Auckland, October 29.
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Bibliographic details
Evening Post, Volume CXXXII, Issue 107, 1 November 1941, Page 8
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362BAPTISTS & CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTORS Evening Post, Volume CXXXII, Issue 107, 1 November 1941, Page 8
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