PACIFISM AND WAR
MIND OF THE CHURCH By Telegraph—Press Association CHRISTCHURCH, November 16. The Methodist Synod of the North Canterbury District discussed the church’s attitude to war to-day, and after resolutions had been put forward representing opposite views a resolution framed by the Rev. M. A. Rugby Pratt “to harmonise the views” was passed. Mr H. Chapman (Christchurch) had given notice of motion "that this Synod places on record that the extreme pacifist views publicly expressed by certain members of our church are purely their personal opinions and do not exress the mind of the Methodist Church.” Mr H. Ryan (Rangiora) opposed this resolution, and moved that Synod cle- * dares its conviction in this time of national peril thAt applied Christianity is the only solution of the problems of the world. It deplores extreme nationalism and militaristic statements which are neither in accord with the teachings of the New Testament nor with the mind of the Christian church. It recognises the supreme importance of human personality and strongly deprecates any attempt to undermine the sacred rights of conscience or to prevent the free and unfettered expression of moral and spiritual convictions.” Mr Pratt, connexional secretary to the Methodist Church in New Zealand, offered a resolution to harmonise the views and it read “this Synod declares that the mind of the Methodist Church on the issues of pacifism and war is set forth in the official deliverances of the conference and not in the published utterances of individual members of the church.” The resolution was passed unanimously.
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Bibliographic details
Timaru Herald, Volume CXLVII, Issue 21504, 17 November 1939, Page 8
Word Count
256PACIFISM AND WAR Timaru Herald, Volume CXLVII, Issue 21504, 17 November 1939, Page 8
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