PRESBYTERIAN OPPOSES "CURSED MILITARISM.”

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18937, 6 December 1929, Page 8

PRESBYTERIAN OPPOSES "CURSED MILITARISM.”

(Special to the “ Star.”) STRATFORD, December 6. The tranquility of the annual meeting of the Hawera Presbyterian Church was disturbed, when strong exception was taken by Mr W. G. Simpson, to a session resolution against the admission to the church as ministers of candidates holding pacifist views. Surprise was expressed by Mr Simpson that there was no reference to the resolution in the session report. “Will you read that resolution?" he asked. This having been done, he requested particulars of the voting, which was given as six for and five against. “ That means that the meeting was not a representative one as the session consists 'of sixteen elders," Mr Simpson added. “ I wish to protest against such contentious and important matter being made the subject of a resolution without the opinion of the congregation being first obtained." He was strongly opposed to what he termed “ this cursed militarism.” Mr A. Coleman said that the session had proposed the motion, honestly believing that it represented the opinion of the Presbyterian Church people. It had gone to the Presbytery, and, through that body, to the General Assembly. It had not been directed ao'a.irtst the Auckland defaulters.

though it was their actions that prompted its passage. The church doctrine did not condemn righteous war, for which it waS neither wrong, unchristian nor unreasonable to prepare. Referring to the state of affairs in Russia, Mr Coleman said: 44 1 have no doubt Mr Simpson is better acquainted with Russia than I am." At this stage Mr Simpson rose to a point of order, alleging that Mr Coleman’s remarks were developing into a militaristic debate. Mr Simpson’s attempt to obtain a seconder having failed, the next business of the meeting proceeded.