CLERGY AND COMBATANT SERVICE

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 76, 14 October 1941, Page 4

CLERGY AND COMBATANT SERVICE

BISHOP REPLIES TO CRITICISM REFERENCE TO CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTORS Dunedin, This Day Opening the Anglican Synod. Bishoi Fitchett spoke on the clergy and combatant service, answering what he termed “unfair, ill-mannered and ad versa criticism.” Bishop Fitchett said the clergy hac no option. If one were called he a: bishop appealed on the ground of public interest without consulting the man and the appeals were granted because the Government considers it contrary to public interest that the work of religious bodies should not be maintain cd efficiently and because religious bodies have to supply military chaplains. It should be abundantly clem that if the clergy were taken for combatan' service the supply of chaplains co .ild not be maintained. Speaking later of conscientious objectors. the Bishop said: “As with others of questionable mentality these unfortunates merit pity rather thar abuse and persecution. I imagine tliai those whose consciences are so distorted and illogical as to make their owners believe it is reasonable to claim the right to use and enjoy the advantages and refuse to perform the responsibilities of community life would make poor soldiers and woulc probably be more troublesome thai useful at the front, and therefore should not be sent there. If called up. however, they should not be allowed to continue in their present occupation: or professions but be given community work as far as possible as strenuous a; and certainly not more lucrative thar that of our soldiers, and they should be compelled to do that work. —P.A.