RELIGIOUS OBJECTORS

New Zealand Times, Volume XLII, Issue 9722, 26 July 1917, Page 2

RELIGIOUS OBJECTORS

“THE TESTIMONY OF JESUS" A DISCUSSION OX MATTERS OF FAITH. There was a distinct, theological atmosphere about tho Military Service Beard yesterday afternoon, when rhe cases of sixteen religious objectors, whose appeals have already been beard and dismissed and tho appellants sent to camp, were heard. The appeals were rc-heard so that the reservists concerned might prove that they are really, for tho purposes of tho Act, members of a religious organisation. The names of the appellants, who belong to tho ’’Testimony of Jesus,” were as follow: —J. Pickering, Thomas P. Dixon, J. S. Hogan, J. El. Holtham, J. Gray, H. Arthur, L. R. Aickcn, P. R. Clayton, F. T. Johnston, J. Craig, H. Smith, E, Gray, P. Dickson, R. Stockdill, H. Rankin, and A. Page. Sir John Findlay appeared for appellants, and quoted a law case in which the magistrate had held that a minister of ‘‘The Testimony of Jesus Christ” was really a minister of a ■ religious body. Appellants were ready and willing to sign tho amended form of declaration in to service in certain branches. what really had to bo determined, under the provisions of section 18 of the Military Service Act was, (1) Whether the appellants wore members of a religious body; (2) whether, if bo, . one of tho doctrines of that society was that the bearing of arms was against Divine revelation; and (3) whether they, as members of such society, honestly and conscientiously believed in such doctrine. Tho sect in question had been founded about twenty years ago. In New Zealand there were between 700 and 800 members, with 24 .ministers and evangelists; in Australia there were 2500 members and 70 ministers, and in England there were 5000 members and 70 ministers. The members undertook to believe tho teachings, of Jesus Christ and to observe such teaching in daily life. They met several times every week for singing of hymns. Any member wishing to become a minister had to sell all his worldly goods and live on tho voluntary offerings of his flock. They were really literalists, as they .interpreted all the teachings of Christ literally. Christ had said that those who would follow Him must give up their worldly goods. Captain Baldwin: ‘‘But all the members of the church, do net give away all their worldly goods?” Sir John replied that if they did This they would, of course, have nothing to live oh. Only tho ministers were required to live this way. . Captain Baldwin: “Their ministers are not allowed to bury or to marry?”

Sir John admitted this was so. Mr Beswick (chairman): “This is really the hall-mark of a minister.” Sir John added that the teachings of the religion laid it down plainly that the bearing of arms was forbidden by Jesus Christ. Wilson MoClurg, of Auckland, who was called to give evidence in corroboration of tho opening statement, said he had been a member of The Testimony of Jesus Christ for years. Ho had been elected a minister at an annual convention of members held in October of 1903. (Mr Beswick: “Who is head of the whole affair?” Witness: “No one.”

Mr Beswick; “And is there no charter,. no rules, or anything of your church?”—“No.”

“That is most extraordinary. Even a football club has some rules.” —“We merely have the teachings of Christ.” Sir John Findlay pointed to the fact that members of the Catholic Church Lived by the guidance of their consciences.

Mr Beswick: “But they have nothing on paper at all about the religion.” Sir John: “Perhaps it would be better if some religions did not have anything on paper. I have never met a man yet who would swallow the Westminster Confession of Faith.”

Questioned, witness said that he had no money and no property at all. He did not follow any other calling than that of minister. He lived “on the offerings of those who lived by the body.” Air Considine, a member of tho board, asked witness what he would do in tho event of a member of- his church giving him a largo sum of money. What would he do with what was above what ho really needed? Witness smiled, hut did not answer.

Mr Beswick remarked that there were certainly more members of this faith than there were Seventh Day Adventists. It was strange, however, that nothing had been heard of them. Sir John replied that they 'were one of those quiet, unostentatious sects to whom religion was a real live thing. They did not go around with their hats asking for contributions. _ They really believed and practised their religion.