A CHRISTIAN DUTY.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIX, Issue 98, 25 March 1939, Page 8

A CHRISTIAN DUTY.

BEARING OF ARMS. IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM. Per Press Association. DUNEDIN, March 25. Commenting on the Hamilton message reporting the pacifist views of the Cambridge vicar, Rev. Bishop Fitchett said such statements could he made in the Empire without any fear of facing a firing squad. The vicar mentioned “from the Christian standpoint,” Bishop Fitchett added. “To engage in a war of aggression for material gain is undoubtedly sinful, but- to protect the weak against tho aggression of the strong is surely in accord with the mind of Christ,” the Bishop added. “Therefore, so far from being wrong, it is a Christian duty, both for the individual and the nation, to make ©very’ effort to lie sufficiently strong to contend with an aggressor. It follows that, as stated, in the 37th Article of Religion, it is lawful for Christian men, at the command of a magistrate, to wear anus and serve in wars.” A prominent Presbyter ian cleric stated: “Every reasonable person is in favour of peace, but there comes a time when something more important must he considered ; for instance, honour, righteousness and freedom. Every observer of international events must realise that an entirely passive attitude toward truce-breaking, unscrupulous aggression simply delivers the cause of humanity into unworthy hands. Defensive warfare on behalf of the great ideals for which Christian democracy stands has been recognised as being in harmony with Christian principles by all leading branches of the Christian Church.” “I refuse to iako up arms against a man of any other nation with whom I have no quarrel, and do the dirty work for someone else who will gain by it. I prefer the firing squad. That was my attitude in 1914, and it lias not changed in 25 years.” This definite stand on his attitude (o war was taken by Rev. O. W. Chandler, vicar of St. Andrew’s Church, Cambridge, at a public meeting in Hamilton.