THE EMPIRE CULT

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22444, 13 June 1936, Page 19

THE EMPIRE CULT

PRESBYTERIAN DISPUTE A SYDNEY CONTROVERSY [from oitr own correspondent] SYDNEY. June 5 The Presbyterian Church in Sydney seems fated to be engaged in public controversies. Following closely on the re-opening of the Dr. Angus case, two ministers, both with large congregations, have begun a public argument which is Ukely to have interesting repercussions. The Rev. D. P. Macdonald, of Mos man, began it with a sermon he preached on Empire Day. He said that British people often claimed a superiority for which they possessed little right and less title. The assumption by Boir.c that the British were God's chosen people was to other nations nothing but puerile blasphemy. Ihe day had passed for them to be purely Empire-minded'. The cult of Empire worship had always impeded human progress. When analysed, it found to bo nothing more than selfishness and vanity. All wise and useful accomplishments leaped over boundaries. Education, science, literature, and industry refused to be localised or nationalised. The supreme factor, religion, changed men's attitude toward one another, made them realise their common humanity, broke down national rivalries and inspired men to create and maintain that ideal society for whieli their souls hungered. The Moderator r»f the Presbytery of Sydney, Dr. Victor C. Bell, was ni> , to make a vigorous reply. He criticised Mr. Macdonald's denunciation of what he regarded as an outstanding characteristic of the British people. glory of the British Empire," he said, "is that it endeavours to maintain unity and happiness between all nations. \Ve, as an Empire, are composed of a variety of races, and the cult of Empire serves to bring us together in a bond of unity, in accordance with the principles which God preached in the Gospel. Other nations are far more self-centred than our Empire, for they consist only of one race, whereas our (lag covers many races and many lands. We do not drive people of 'other nationalities from our lands, as Germany has done to the Jews. That kind of Imperialism is harmful. Instead, we receive and give succour to fugitives from other nations, who are always ready to accept the protection thus extended. I lit! Emperor of Abyssinia, who fled his country as the result of Italian invasion, has availed himself of this protection. Our Empire is modelled on the lines of true Christian principles, and long may it be so conducted." The moderator, thus having taken upon himself the responsibility of taking sides, i is likely to have his attitude challenged at the next meeting of the Sydney Presbytery, while, if the controversy reaches that stage, Mr, Macdonald. himself is likely to find a fire of criticism awaiting him.