CHURCH AND POLITICS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LX, Issue 18340, 5 March 1923, Page 8

CHURCH AND POLITICS.

INCIDENT IN CHRISTCHURCH. REV. OLYDE CARE'S POSITION QUESTION OF RESIGNATION. ; [BY T*XBQBAPH.—-OWN ' coanESJONUKsn;.] ! '■ : v CHRISTCHURCH. Saturday. "As a direct result of. the" Linwood Congregational Church's decision to request me to withdraw my resignation of the pastorate, the principle has been definitely established that a Congregational minister at least should enjoy the fullest and freest rights as a Christian citizen," said Rev. Clyde Carr, when interviewed by a reporter. In view of the somewhat unusual- fact that an earlier decision of the Linwood Congregational Church to accept Rev. Clyde Carr's resignation had been reversed at a subsequent meeting a statement by Mr. Carr of the position was sought. Mr. Carr was asked if there was any truth in the rumour that his active participation in the recent general elections as chairman of Mr. D. G. Sullivan's election committee was responsible for the original acceptance of the resignation. Mr. Carr replied there were several elements entering into the case, and he did not wish to particularise. He would like to mention, however, that some of the most prominent Congregational ministers in England had had exactly similar experiences to his own, but had ultimately established the right of entire freedom to enjoy the fullest privileges as Christian citizens. Mr. Carr said he felt that his position was now perfectly assured without any sacrifice of principle- on his own part. The Rev. Clyde Carr's name has been submitted by a number of trade unions in Christchurch to the Labour Representation Committee as a Labour 1 candidate for the Christchurch City Council at the forthcoming municipal elections.