THE CHURCH AND POLITICS

Waihi Daily Telegraph, Volume XXXI, Issue 8838, 30 October 1942, Page 2

THE CHURCH AND POLITICS

(To The Editor) Sir,—The present discussiqn on the above subject is long overdue. The United Nations are to-day preparing a New Order based on the recent Atlantic Charter, which is the very essence of Christian principles. Then again we are witnessing the creation of a New Christian Order in New Zealand. Both these New Orders are not only desirable, but also necessary, if we still believe in Christianity. The Atlantic Charter is a political document, and can only operate through political action. On the other hand, the New Christian Order is a religious organisation; and, if it is to be worth while, it must be effective—and it can only be effective if it has political expression. The question is not should the Church keep clear of politics, because the churches have been actively engaged in politics for many years past. The real question is, how far should the churches go in giving political expression to the evils existing in the community, whether they be economic or otherwise. The answer appears to be that if a New Christian Order is needed, then it is the duty of the churches to use every fair means of bringing it about.—l am, etc., L. FEE.