CLERGY IN ARMY

New Zealand Herald, Volume 78, Issue 24102, 22 October 1941, Page 8

CLERGY IN ARMY

SERVICE AS SOLDIERS ATTITUDE OF CHURCH APPEAL FOR OPPORTUNITY (0.C.) C.HRISTCHURCH, Tuesday The advisability of permitting clergy and students for orders drawn in ballots to take up combatant or non-combat-ant service with the New Zealand forces other than in the capacity of chaplain was considered by the Christchurch Diocesan Synod. The discussion arose on a motion from Mr. It. S. D. Harman in which it was stated that the intention was to give clergy and students the opportunity of widening their experience and of making that closer contact with men of their own generation which could be gained only by common experience in the theatre of war.

Mr. Harman said that many young men in the service of the Church, or training for it ; were being deprived of the comradeship which meant so much among men in the field. They were being handicapped in their future work. He urged that they be not separated from their fellows, deprived of the right to share in the experience of their generation and of their future parishioners. The influence of a Godfearing man on his companions could he very important.

Archdeacon A. J. Petrie said that the battlefield, while bringing out much that was coarse and rough, also brought out the very noblest instincts in man. Canon S. Parr said clergy and students could take tip service in spite of the bishop's appeal. The motion was unnecessary.

The Rev. W. S. Southward said that if a clergyman felt it was good and right for a Christian to take part in war. then he should be prepared to do .so himself if called upon. The motion was withdrawn.