“GOSPEL OF HATE ”

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21184, 6 August 1940, Page 6

“GOSPEL OF HATE ”

JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES REQUEST FOR BANNING CHURCH PAPER’S CRITICISM (United Press Assn.—Elcc. Tel. Copyright) SYDNEY. August 6 Criticism in “The Church Standard” of the Jehovah’s Witnesses movement, as an unbearable nuisance, which should firmly be dealt with by the authorities, was commended by the Chief Secretary, Mr Tonking. “The movement should be suppressed immediately,” said the Minister, who has asked the Federal Government to act in this direction. “It is the blatancy of their methods that annoys many people. “Loyal people will agree with the statement in ‘The Church Standard’ that, in the land of their origin, U.S.A., ‘the followers of this sect have been the cause of much trouble all over the country, and recently many have teen imprisoned on varying charges, ranging from being spies and fifth columnists to dangerous radicals.’ “They are not helping our war effort, but are hindering it,” he added. Amplified Vituperations An extract from “The Church Standard” article reads:— “Their methods of spreading their gospel of hate have aroused widespread indignation and annoyance, both here and in the United States. A motor van, fitted with a loud speaker, draws up in some quiet street and starts to blare out in the raucous, nasal tones of Judge Rutherford, the founder of the sect, a tirade condemning religion as a money-making racket. Peaceful bays on Sydney’s Harbour are invaded by a motor launch, which shatters the quiet of a Sunday morning with recordings of the judge’s vituperations, amplified by powerful loud speakers.”