RIGHTS UPHELD

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20619, 21 November 1941, Page 2

RIGHTS UPHELD

CONSCIENCE CASES TREATMENT DEPLORED METHODIST CHURCH (Per Press Association.) WELLINGTON, this clay. The annual Methodist synod of the Wellington district yesterday discussed at length the question of conscientious objection to military service and, in a series of resolutions, decided to uphold the liberty of conscience and action for members of the church. The following report by the public questions committee was adopted:— “The committee feels called upon to insist that the work, of the appeal board ends with their determination of the sincerity of otherwise of appellants, and that their decision should not depend in any degree on the ability of the appeal boards to find alternative service for those whose appeals are allowed.” The following notice of motion, moved by the Rev. Henry Tozer, was carried by 18 votes to four, with eight members remaining neutral: “In this f-'me of war, the Methodist Church of New Zealand affirms the deep fellowship that all her children experience in the person of Jesus Christ, her Saviour and Lord. While rejoicing in this unity, she recognises that there are strong differences of opinion with regard to the problems raised by the war. In view of this recognition, the Methodist. Church will uphold liberty of conscience and action, and offer unceasing ministries to all her sons and daughters in whatever direction loyalty to inward convictions may carry them. Press Criticism Resented “This synod further deplores the fact that so many young men, obviously of deep and genuine Christian conviction, have had their cases of conscientious objection dismissed by the armed forces appeal boards, and that these young men are to-day not only being victimised by being sent to gaol and detention camps, but are being referred to in the press editorials as slackers, recalcitrants, neurotics and irresponsibles" We, of this synod, strongly protest against such unjust expressions, and offer to all genuine objectors who are being victimised our deep' Christian sympathy, assuring them that the church will minister to all her members in whichever direction loyalty to Christ .may lead them." The following motion was moved by the Rev. G. R. Harris, Levin: “The synod believes the British common--wealth of nations and those allied to them are charged with the- duty of securing, by the blessing of God. the triumph of righteousness and truth, and of freedom and humanity s*brutally outraged at the present time* The synod reaffirms its loyalty to tluThrone and is confident that the Methodist people will steadfastly uphold this sacred cause till its complete victory has been achieved by righteous and lasting peace.” Mr. Tozer put forward an amendment to prevent it going forward that the'synod was in favour of war.

The amendment was defeated and the motion was carried by 15 votes to