CHURCHES' VIEWS

Evening Post, Volume CXXXV, Issue 151, 28 June 1943, Page 5

CHURCHES' VIEWS

POST-WAR SOCIETY

CHRISTIAN BASIS DEFINED (By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright.) Rec. 12.40 p.m. SYDNEY, June 28. Over their joint signatures, the Anglican and Catholic Archbishops of Sydney, Drs. Mowll and Gilroy respectively, have issued a statement con-' demning Nazism, Fascism, Communism, or any "organisation of the State in the exclusive interests of a group, whether capitalists or workers." The statement, which is the first joint declaration made by the two churches, aims to define the basis for post-war reconstruction of society according to the principles of Christianity. It deplores the decline of the part played by religion in public affairs, with its attendant tendency to regulate life by purely economic standards. I "Christians," declared the statement, "are in duty bound to plan and work for' the reconstruction of society on a Christian basis, so as to obtain the right order for the nation and co-operation among all men." The lengthy document sets out Christian principles to which all men must adhere, adding that disregard of charity and justice by individuals and the people have been responsible for current national and international disorders. It defines the duties of State towards its citizens, of citizens towards the State, and of all men towards one another. It emphasises the individuality of man, his right to personal freedom, and the ■ duty of the State to protect common rights by preventing the concentration of power !in the hands of the few. Christian education to develop not only the intellect but also character, the maintenance of family life against*, all modern , disintegrating influences, and co-opera-tion between Capital and Labour are seen as essential features of a sound social order. Stressing the duties every individual owes to his fellow-men, the statement says: "All men are required to undertake certain mutual obligations, such as the faithful observance of contracts, the giving of a just return in work or goods for money or its equivalent, and j the faithful discharge of all obligations, whether as parents, children, employers, employees, friends, or neighbours." _____^_______