CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTORS

Evening Star, Issue 23832, 12 March 1941, Page 5

CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTORS

ATTITUDE OF CONGREGATIONAL UNION A definition of the opinion of the Congregational Church in regard to conscientious objectors was asked yesterday by Mr E. H. Reynolds (Wellington) , when a resolution affirming loyalty was put to the delegates at the annual assembly of the Congregational Union. Mr Reynolds pointed out that there were church members whose consciences dictated against war and who might have to go before a tribunal. If asked there whether their church was for or against war, what were they to reply? The chairman (Rev. C. C. Hoskins) said that any discussion on conscientious objection would be ruled out of order. The resolution was merely an affirmation of loyalty to the Crown. The Rev. J. H. Harris (Dunedin) said he still considered that the position should, be clarified.

. “ The resolution is an expression of loyalty,” a delegate remarked. _ “I take it that those who vote for it are loyal subjects of the King, and that those who are against it are not loyal.” The Chairman pointed out that it was open for any young man to appeal aganist military service on conscientious grounds, and it was competent for any minister to support the appeal provided that lie was convinced of its genuineness. The resolution, reading as follows, was then carried: “ That this assembly of the Congregational Union of New Zealand, meeting in this solemn hour of national crisis, steadfastly' affirms its allegiance to the King as the head of the British Commonwealth and to the ideals and hopes w)iich are the highest heritage of its people. ' The assembly unites with "men of goodwill everywhere in the prayer that the nation’s counsels may be divinely guided to the attainment of a lasting peace based on justice, freedom, and truth.” Following, it was decided that the Reference Committee should be asked to find a place on the agenda paper for discussion of the question of conscientious objectors and those who on conscientious grounds defied the decisions of the courts of appeal. DEFINITE OBJECTION. At this morning’s session a statement was laid before the annual assembly Reference Committee. Discussion, however, was adjourned in the meantime and the adoption has not yet taken place. The statement contains the following clauses:— This assembly affirms the right of a sincere objector to combatant or other military service to a sympathetic hearing bv the Appeal Board, upon which should sit at least one person competent to understand the religious or other scruples of objectors. It urges that ministers and other leaders of our churches should do all in their power to assist the sincere conscientious objectors among the people when called upon, both by advice and by testimony at the hearing before the board. In the event of an appeal being dismissed after due hearing, it considers that further dealings with such an objector should be in the hands of the civil and not the military authorities. It supports the right of the Government to demand alternative service at a rate of pay not higher than that of men in the forces from men whose religious scruples arc regarded as valid by the appeal boards.