APPEAL TO CHURCH LEADERS

Dominion, Volume 32, Issue 151, 22 March 1939, Page 11

APPEAL TO CHURCH LEADERS

Archbishop’s Call For Unity

HOPE OF ACTION BY THE POPE

By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. (Received March 21, 7.30 p.m.) LONDON, March 21. The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr. Lang, speaking in the House of Lords following Lord Halifax’s speech, said that Germany’s action was an undisguised and unashamed assertion that might was right. It was a challenge to the basis of civilized order among the nations, and the only answer must be given in terms which the German rulers would understand. There must be a massing of might on the side of right.

“Though it is painful,” continued Dr. Lang, “to contemplate the massing of forces, we are driven to do it because we are convinced that some things are more sacred than peace. “There must be union among all those valuing the ideals of peace and freedom. Many have found co-opera-tion with Russia difficult to contemplate, but where supreme issues are concerned we must be ready to accept help from any quarter.”

The Archbishop of Canterbury recalled his own appeal to Church leaders in Europe in 1935 and the issue of a simultaneous appeal for peace. He added that he was mindful to renew the invitation, but much depended on whether the Pope would give leadership. It was not inconceivable that, under the Pope’s leadership, other Christian leaders would willingly issue an appeal.

Dr. Lang promised that all the leaders of the Anglican, Orthodox and Protestant Churches would give their simultaneous support. Lord Snell, speaking in the House of Lords, said that events in Czechoslovakia had not surprised Labour members. It appeared as though Herr Hitler had deliberately exploited the confidence of too simple statesmen in order to humiliate Mr. Chamberlain in the eyes of the world. There was never the least chance of converting dictators into good Europeans. Lord Crewe urged Britain to join in every possible way and to any possible extent with countries which felt that an outrage had been committed the like of which could not be repeated.