ANZAC DAY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26226, 9 August 1946, Page 2

ANZAC DAY

Sir,—ln your Issue of to-day there appears a letter on Anzac Day. Your correspondent • signing himself “ Catholic Student ” draws a distinction between Catholics and what he calls Protestants, which in my humble opinion is misleading. From what I have read of the Reformation I gather that the Protestants were the subjects of a small German State who, by way of riposte to a plea submitted to Charles V by the Catholics in that State that they (the Catholics) were not getting a square deal, sent in a protest. Hence the word Protestant. It is unfortunate that this word, like so many others, should have been encrusted with associated ideas as thickly as any barnacles or other surfaces attracted by barnacles. Nowadays, any one who does not owe allegiance to the Roman communion, for which I have the profoundest reverence, is dubbed a Protestant. What of the Ecclesia the Greek Orthodox, and other great branches of the Holy Catholic Church?—l am, etc., Dunedin, August 7. C. R. Allen.

Sir,—" Catholic Student ” again rushes into print and endeavours to justify Roman Catholic opposition to the religious observance of Anzac Day. He shows clearly that the Church he represents is more concerned in an endeavour to eliminate other sections of the Christian faith than in the propagation of Christianity. He states that " Catholics are open to criticism, but not by people whose sole weapon is a horror of Rome.” Does his own letter not justify such horor, and, in, fact, add fuel to the fire? Then he states that Catholics (meaning Roman Catholics) would like to join in the public tribute to those who fell, but they cannot in conscience do so if that tribute takes the form of a religious service conducted by a Protestant clergyman. If one branch of the Christian Church is really sincere about the advancement of Christianity, why does it oppose efforts in that direction by a sister church? It seems that to it only one thing really matters, and that is the advancement of the Roman Church and the repudiation of the rights of otl>er denominations to expound the Gospel. ” Catholic Student ’ has written previously on other subjects, and appears to speak on behalf of the Roman Church. I await an official denunciation of his views by his Church. If such is not forthcoming we will be able to see what a small part the spreading of Christianity plays in the doctrine of the Roman Catholic Church.—l am, etc., August 7. . Awake.

Sir,—The system of education in New Zealand is secular. The majority of peoDle in New Zealand are Protestants. If the people really wanted religion in schools, and insisted on it, the system of education would be changed accordingly almost overnight. In view of this, why should it be supposed that the people want religion on Anzac Day?—l am, etc., August 8. Catholic layman.