THE CHURCH, POLITICS AND MR. LEE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 89, Issue 287, 5 December 1945, Page 3

THE CHURCH, POLITICS AND MR. LEE

Sir, —I cannot support your correspondent “A.G.W.,” when he clearly shows that bias formulates his outlook and commands his pen. “A.G.W.” knows that political, clerical and social convictions have their distinctive divisions, and when “A.G.W.” tangles the issue by ignoring this, there should be no complaint if a friend of J. A. Lee rudely interposes. When “A.G.W.” refers to the “Church” it is clear he means the international body that makes politics an. outstanding feature of its activities; so much so that the world today is saturated with adverse reports and confirmations of the politics supported by its clerics. I have read J. A. Lee carefully and I cannot recalle him ever attacking religion, pagan or otherwise, but he fearlessly names any religious body and its representatives when they invade the political arena. That J. A. Lee sticks far closer to his politics than clerics to their doctrine of “Rendering unto Caesar” is abundantly evident.

‘‘A.G.W.” states that “J. A. Lee thinks he wields the best pen in New Zealand and he should stick to politics.” Good for “A.G.W.,” for here he admits the distinction I drew at the beginning of this letter. Well do I know that the literary pie J. A. Lee hands round is alive with outstanding political vitamins and from this aspect is well worth while, but I find him a useless and barren reference in regard to theological problems, doctrines and church law. The ulterior motive of “A.G.W.” spoils his logic, he:;ce his ethic weakens. “A.G.W.” is anxious for J. A. Lee to stick to politics (which Lee religiously does) yet he forgets to make it clear that his clerics should' stick to their pulpits and his last statement that “J. A. Lee. given the power, would close some, if not all, of our churches to-morrow,” is so outrageous to fair suggestion that “A.G.W.,” to clear himself, must trot out chanters and verses to prove his allegation.—l am, etc., “H.G.” December 3. 1945. (Portion of this letter has been deleted because of pressure on space.— Editor.)