THE PACIFISTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23791, 19 October 1940, Page 8

THE PACIFISTS

OBJECTORS TO SERVICE PRESBYTERIAN ATTITUDE LIBERTY OF CONSCIENCE The attitude of the Presbyterian Church to conscientious objectors is defined in the latest issue of the Outlook. It is clear from a previous statement of the Church's policy, says the Outlook, that it upholds liberty of conscience, and will, therefore, uphold those whose conscience directs them against accepting military service. "Those whose convictions load them," the writer continues, "to bearing the weight of responsibility of withstanding by force the attack made upon our country and our ideals by the military power of countries dominated by an anti-Christian greed and hate, may find difficulty in understanding the reasons which lead some to have conscientious objections to taking any part in the war efFort, but they will in Christian charity not judge them harshly. Liberty of conscience is a principle which must bo honoured by all true Christians.

"On the other hand, those who by reason of their pacifist convictions, believe that they should take no part in war, however just that war may seem, are rightly expected to think clearly, soberly and prayerfully as they make their way to a decision. "It is a simple matter to reach convictions on questions in the abstract; it is not nearly so simple to make them in ,the light of a concrete situation, which will inevitably dominate our thinking. At present we are in the midst of a tragic war, in which the issues are definite and clear to most of us. For the majority there is no problem, but for others there is a deep and disturbing one. Mutual goodwill, in spite of difference of opinion, is an essential Christian virtue."