THE CHURCH AND WAR

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21968, 27 November 1934, Page 13

THE CHURCH AND WAR

Sir, —The supporters of the "Pentfb and War" resolutions adopted at the recen+ local Methodist Synod will appreciate the prominence given to them bv your critical editorial. In view of the attitude and actions of the Society of Friends, alike in peace and wartime, any use of the term "humbug'"' in discussions ori so vital an issue is to be regretted. If, as you maintain, it is not necessary in New Zealand to emphasise the incompatibility of war (and therefore of competitive national armaments) with the Spirit of Christ, why should it be thought so necessary in England, where substantially the same resolutions were adopted by the British Mefhodist CouferenCe, only a year ago? What reason have we to suppose that New Zealand Methodists or the general public here, are so far in advance of the Home folk? In any case, is it not necessary that the Churches should continue to examine this complex and allimportant issue in the light of the Christian revelation, unperturbed by adverse outside criticism;'- until at last they are able to speak with a clear and united voice to their own nations, and to the world at large. They recognise that before they can act effectively they have much to learn. Why, if further education on the principles involved is unnecessary, were the Christian Churches recently blamed so definitely by Mr. Lloyd George for failing to influence the statesmanship of the Avorld against war?. "Honestly," he said, "I do not see anybody who can do it (stop war) except the Christian Churches. . .

Act together! Act promptly *in the name of God and of humanity!" Now, Sir,'if such a gra\e responsibility rests on the Churches, ought they not to be encouraged to think, and to think on their own lines, in order to givp a load to the masses in all the lands whcrfe they nave influence —irrespective of the dominant national outlook- Anyhow, the Churches must judge for themselves what is necessary for them to do in the way of propaganda. It needs to bo more widely understood that the Protestant Churches will stand or fall as they uphold or yield their life principle of.tbe freedom of the Christianised conscience. In other words, they must continue to encourage their members who are pacifists, even though they be socalled extreme pacifists, to bo true to their convictions at all costs. You rightly advise the Churches to examine their ideas of the basis of citizenship. They will do that; and more. They are also re-examining the basis of their Christian citizenship, which is an even more necessary thing. A.L,