CLERGY AND THE WAR

New Zealand Times, Volume XLII, Issue 9622, 30 March 1917, Page 2

CLERGY AND THE WAR

To the Editor “N.Z* Times.” Sir, —I noticed in this morning’s issue of your journal a paragraph copied from the" ‘‘Nelson Evening. Mail” in which Father McGrath reflected on the honour of one of the li.C, members of the Mili-

tary Appeal Hoard and further, during the course of his remarks, issued threats of excommunication unless he followed the dictates of the R.C. Church. After reading the above, coupled with the various effusions of the clergy of that particular church and its ■ supporters, one is moved to inquire which is the dominant factor in the British Empire to-day. the R.C. Church or loyaltv to the British Crown and Government? If one may have the temerity to judge, I should certainly say “church first, last and all the time.” Empire service nowhere. I cannot understand the weakness of the Government towards one or any particular religious sect; the Empire is undoubtedly in serious danger, that is freely admitted, then that being so, the clehr duty of every loyal subject is to freely give any service required of them, even to taking up arms in defence of our country and all it stands for—this is no time for quibbling about duties—Protestant clergy and teachers are 'in the trenches in thousands and I have yet to learn that France or Germany forced the P.C. clergv and teachers to the same work, yet they are there, then why should exceptions be sought here bv that particular sect? If they are-loval to the British Raj, let them lake the oath and do their hit.—X am, etc..

NON-SECTARIAN' PATRIOT, Wellington. March 28th.