CONSCRIPTION, THE CLERGY AND OTHERS

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 3012, 24 February 1917, Page 10

CONSCRIPTION, THE CLERGY AND OTHERS

Sir, —There is a fairly general feeling that it is .about time that this question received definite attention, from the Government. 'In to-day's issue you publish, a motion, which was carried unanimously by the Christclyurcn Ministers' Association, objecting vigorously to the Roman Catholic position in regard to their clergy. The Roman Catholics on.their part are determined to leave no stone -unturned to have their "canon law" recognised. We have here the elements of a grave dispute between two large sections of the community, and the question is, upon what principle- will the Government be warranted in acting as between the two sections? There is one thing clear, and that is, that no Government of a democratic community can' afford to ignore the religious convictions of any section, however small or large that section may be. A man's duty to God is one thing, and his duty to the State is another, and there can be no question as to whicli .should come first with him. This is'only partially recognised in: tlie Military' Service Act. Horice we have .seen men - before the Military Service Appeal Boards who, because of thoir strong convictions against military service in any capacity, are liable under the .Act to severe penalties. "What is this but religious persecution ? Those men are ready to serve the State in any capacity they are capable of in harmony with their religious convictions, but an ill-digested clause in the Act places a barrier between- them and that service. In Britain the positionis very different. Work of national importance is given to men who show their religious convictions against military service to bo genuine. In this the British-Government has followed an ethical standard set up long years ago by Pitt and other eminent leaders. There is a great. deal of talk about "equality of service and sacrifioo," but it is mere talk, for there can be no such thing. When the Government recognises the facts of the case, wo shall havo a more tolerant law, and both "service and sacrifice" placed upon a more, equitablo basis. —I am, etc., RELIGIOUS LIBERTY.