THANKS FOR VICTORY

Evening Post, Volume CXXXVI, Issue 8, 9 July 1943, Page 4

THANKS FOR VICTORY

POSITION OF PACIFISTS

O.C. AUCKLAND, This Day. A motion expressing thanks to God for the victory in Tunisia, paying a tribute to the gallant efforts of the Allied Nations' forces, and to those who had lost their lives, and trusting that an abiding peace would not be long delayed, led to an animated discussion, at a meeting of the Waikato Diocesan Synod yesterday. The Rev. W. R. Cunliffe submitted that God could not be held responsible for the victories of our arms. God's will, he said, was that there should be no war, and that lasting peace could only come through the spread of the Gospel of love.

The motion was amended to express thanks for the deliverance of our arms in Tunisia, and for the steadfastness of the Allied forces.

Bishop Cherrington said he did not think that such a mild and Christian motion should have cx-eated such a stir and led to so many unnecessary statements. Pacifists had their chance before the war began, and, however much war was disapproved of, and however contrary to Christianity it. was considered to be, when the call of the country came pacifists who did not like it should go out and leave the country or tell the Government to do what it liked with them.

The bishop said he did not think 'it was right to say a word in the direction of pacifism in the present position.

The amended motion was carried unanimously.