A PASTORAL

Hokitika Guardian, 29 August 1938, Page 6

A PASTORAL

CHURCH IN GERMANY. (United Press Association— By Electric Telegraph—Copyright). (Received this day at 2 p.m.) , LONDON, August 28. The “Telegraph’s” Berlincorrespondent says the Catholic Church is being offered , a future ■in - the catacombs. What is said to be one of the strongest declarations against Nazis’ religions ever heard in Germany,- was read in the churches throughout Gerpianyj in tho form of a pastoral letter drawn up by the Bishops’ Conference. The text which was distributed secretly to ; priests by a courier, shows German > bishops are not prepared to follow Cardinal Innitzer’s example and seek a compromise with the Government, while the anti-church campaign continues.

The pastoral recalls numerous methods the Nazis adopted of crushing the church and Christianity, introducing a faith which disregarded God and a belief in the .lihrerifter. It declares on the lips of thousands of Catholics burns the question whether despite their loyalty tb the community, they still enjoy , citizens rights, and adds that even the personal honour of the Pope is slanderously attacked. German bishops stand more resolutely behind Him for his sufferings on our behalf. The liishb'ps refuse to accept the new '.German marriage laws. The pastoral concludes that although unwaveringly loyal to the Nazi state, we do not accept the restrictions merely to gain toleration, and urges the fight against Christianity to cease, as it is putting Germans asunder.