CATHOLIC CLERGY

New Zealand Times, Volume XLII, Issue 9720, 24 July 1917, Page 5

CATHOLIC CLERGY

NOT TO BE CONSCRIPTED

An important announcement in connection with the conscription of Catholic priests, Marist Brothers, and theological students was made at St. Patrick’s Church on Sunday, eays the “Hawke’s Bay Herald” (IN spier). It is understood that the Government has given its' assurance that priests, .Marist Brothers, andt theological students vill not bo conscripted under the Military Service Act. This assurance is stated to have been given to the Catholic ■ Eedei ation which has been active in the matter for some time. A s a result of tho decision a number of students at Greonmcadows wOl ho made clerics shortly. This step m their vocational training had been delayed until a decision was arrived at. It is unknown whether the decision of tho Government will extend to all clergymen, irrespective of denommathe “Herald”), that a letter ot apology has boon forwarded to Bishop Brodie, of Christchurch, who was drawn m the ballot and whose appeal was dealt with by the MilitaryService Appeal Board. At tho sitting of tho board there were some heated passages between the military representative and tho Bishop.

r On' tho above being referred to Archbishop O’Shea, it was learned that *e statement was made without authority •!