PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH AND COMMUNISM

Chronicle (Levin), 8 November 1946, Page 8

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH AND COMMUNISM

-Press Association

By Telegraph-

WANGANUI, Aov. /. The Presbyteria.il Chuhrh's attitude towards Coinmunisni is to be eonsidered by the Pubiie Kelations Committee- av a result of a ileeision made by tlie General Assembly. The matter was raised in tiie following overture from St. Andrew's, Haniner rtp rings: "It is lierebv overtured that wliereas the pliilsophy of Jvarl Marx is purely materialistie, denies the existence of God and exalts economic factors as the sole nfeans of huinan . progress; aml wliereas the policv of the t'ominunistie I'arty as observed in post-war society is oue of fomenting strife in order to destroy iiulividual liberty, that the Communistic Party is undeserving of any Christian support whatever; or that it detennine otherwise." Circuinstances regarding rcligion and politics had changed considerahly in the past 50 years, observed l)r. A. 11. Klmslie, supporting the overture. "With ilarxian Communism we are facing a horse of a diil'erent colour to other political jiarties, " lie said. "In that philosophy tliere is no place for (lod or man's immortal soul." "We may contrast that with what we believe. These tliings cannot go hand in liand. "The sanie mind cannot eoneeive and accept both points of view. I want to sliow that this is infidel and absolutely nnacceptable. 1 hope the overture will be received." Dr. .T. I). Salmond, secondiiig Dr. Klmslie 's inotion that the matter go to t\ie Pubiie Questions Comniittee, said he had raised oue of the biggest issues in the world of today.