THE CHURCH AND THE DEPRESSION

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21599, 21 March 1932, Page 8

THE CHURCH AND THE DEPRESSION

TO THE EDITOR.

Sir, —Your correspondents, “ Caurnie and “ Socialist,” are simply displaying their ignorance when they write in the terms they have used in condemnation of the Church of to-day. Who does most for the alleviation of distress, poverty and suffering in any civilised country? The Christian Church, of I know from experience that when calls for assistance are made, the most willing *and liberal donors are members of churches, and in many instances, the much despised clergymen give more than some their parishioners who are in better circumstances. The churches of to-day are doing their duty, but are being sadly hampered m their work because there are sO ( many members, like “ Caurnie ” and ‘ Socialist,” whose pleasure it is to “ sit on the fence ” and criticise unjustly the efforts of those sincerely engaged in endeavouring to bring peace and harmony among selfish and quarrelsome people. Although “ Caurnie ” professes to be a church member, it is very evident that neither he nor “ Socialist attenci church, or else they would not write as they have done. The penning of scurrilous letters against people and institutions they know so little about will not help to bring peace or happiness; it would be doing some good if they would try more to live according to the teaching of Christ, which they profess to have learned, presumably through the agency of the Church. It behoves every one of us, men, women and children, in these difficult days to sink pride, prejudice, self and bitterness and to rally round our leaders in Church and State and to do our duty in both spheres. Let each one of us do what we know is right—that is what counts most—don’t worry about what others are doing or not doing. Stirring, un strife and enmity by inflammatory speeches and letters will not end the depression, but will rather prolong the agony.—l am, etc., Judge Not.