A PASTORAL LETTER.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume IV, Issue 962, 12 March 1917, Page 3

A PASTORAL LETTER.

CLERGY AND THE WAR. A pastoral letter from his Lordship Bishop Julius was read in all the churches of the Christchurch diocese yesterday. The text of-the letter is: "My Dear Brethren, "It is well known that, as Bishop of this diocese, I have made appeal in the case of every one of my clergy

['called by ballot to military service. 1J i But the principles upon which I have 'acted have been .10 frequently misrepresented, ami are ,so little understood, that I think it necessary to state them very clearly, and to inform my people of them. •''>:,*..n r-an desire more earnestly than I that this war shall be prosecuted to ~ i,.,..;. uu-.i successful issue, by every lawful means in our power; ami I have urged repeatedly that we should spare neither effort nor sacrifice to that end. But the war will not be won by material means alone. A spirit of prayer, of devotion and spiritual sacrifice, of hope and confidence in God, is as necessary to success as men and munitions.

'•'This is, least of all, the time when the clergy should be taken from their spiritual duties. The Sacraments ami other means of grace are more than ever essential to our people, through whom they operate on the whole community. It will be seen', therefore, that, just because I desire with all my heart t'se success of our arms, I can be no party to the withdrawal of my clergy from their WOTk.

"On that account, at the first, I would not allow them to volunteer for military service, and now that they are liable to be called out ori the ballot, I appeal in every case. If,there were no appeal I could only make my protest, and allow my men to go- But if the Government gives nie opportunity of appeal, I must of necessity use it, and every advantage otherwise allowed me. By so doing, I bear my witness to the rule of the Church in all ages; and I declare my firm conviction that the withdrawal of the clergy from their proper duties is contrary to the best interests of the nation.

"My appeal is strengthened by the fact that nine of my clergy are now serving as chaplains, and that more will follow. If my appeal is dismissed, the responsibility will lie, not upon me, but upon the supreme authority of the State. This, then, is a clear statement of what I have done, and what, by the help of God, I must go on doing. '' I am, i "Faithfully yours, "C. CHEISTCHURCH."