URGE TO FOLLOW CONSCIENCE

Southland Times, Issue 24014, 3 January 1940, Page 8

URGE TO FOLLOW CONSCIENCE

Methodist Bible Class Decision

CHRISTIAN BELIEF AND ENLISTMENT

STRONG OPPOSITION TO CONSCRIPTION

(United Press Association)

WELLINGTON, January 2.

After a long discussion on the subject of war and peace, the following motion was passed at the annual convention of the Methodist Young Men’s Bible Class movement: —

“This convention recommends to its members and all members of the Christian Church who believe that all war, including the one in which our nation is at present engaged, is contrary to the spirit and teaching of Jesus Christ, our Lord, and that the way of the Cross is the only method of conquering evil.

(a) To follow that way unswervingly by refusing enlistment, preparations for war and all non-combatant service under military control. (b) To endeavour by the grace of God, to understand and serve all men, irrespective of nationality and to persuade them that the only hope for the individual and for the world lies in the following of the teaching and example of Jesus.” This motion was carried by 44 votes to three. On the subject of compulsory military service, the following motion was carried by 38 votes to 11:— “While recognizing a loyalty to the country and Empire of which we are members, this convention reasserts the historic stand of the Christian Church in affirming that a Christian has a higher loyalty—that to his Lord and Master, Jesus Christ, and to truth as it is revealed to him by Grace of God. Believing therefore that the conscription of human life for war purposes is an unwarrantable interference with the liberty and conscience of the citizen we urge the Government to stand firm in its refusal to legislate for compulsory military service.”