REPLY TO CRITICISM

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 85, Issue 293, 12 December 1941, Page 4

REPLY TO CRITICISM

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH'S ATTITUDE TO WAR STATEMENT ON RESOLUTION CARRIED RECENTLY The resolution on the attitude of the Presbyterian Church to the war. carried at a meeting of the Generali 'Assembly in Timaru, was discussed by I the Wanganui Presbytery at a recent [meeting, after which the following statement was issued: i ’The presbytery took special notice lof the ill-informed publicity which ha s been given to the question of the [Church and the war. and decided to make known the attitude of our -church to the whole question. The (assembly's resolution in regard to the war reads as follows: - i 'The General Assembly, convinced lof the justice of our nations cause jin the present war. urges the people lof the church to be ready to bear whatever sacrifices the times demand, and to persevere, trusting in God. till victory comes, and a peace settlement has been worked out. ‘The assembly offers its deepesQ sympathy to all who have suffered. 'the dire effects of war. to ali mem- 1 [hers of the forces who have suffered ; wounds or sickness. to all prisoners ofl war. and especially to all those 1 [who have lost their dear ones. | “The assembly gives thanks to God for the courage and fidelity of those I’ who are spending themselves for the! nation’s cause, especially for those | who are serving in the armed force, of the Crown, and calls on ministers 'and congregations to pray earnestly I that the Divine blessing may be upon ■cur people and our Allies and all who [lead us; that the will of God may {prevail and His glory be advanced.’’ I “This resolution." the statement 'added, “together with the loyal resolution. makes plain the mind of the 'church, which does not sympathise (with the attitude of the conscientiuos ’objector to war. At the same time it !dop s offer its sympathy to those [genuine conscientious objectors who •are called upon to suffer because of the unsatisfactory administration of the National Service Regulations as they affect their case.”