CHURCH AND PEACE
FINDINGS OF METHODISTS In view of the discussion following the deputation to the Prime Minister and the Minister of Defence, the Conference Public Questions Committee ol the Methodist Church, which formed the deputation, desires the publication of the five resolutions then submitted to the Government as the findings of. the church on the subject ot peace and war. Recognising the responsibility Which rests upon the churches to work for a world-order based on righteousness, abiding goodwill, and peace, this conference declares War is contrary to the spirit and purpose of Jesus Christ as revealed in His teaching concerning the Fatherhood of God and the Brotherhood of Man, which is the Divine ideal for human society, and God’s "Kingdom can only be realised in a world embracing brotherhood of mankind based on righteousness, love, and peace. We declare our resolve to refuse to support any Government which refuses to submit a cause of dispute with another Government to an appropriate tribunal for peaceful settlement. This conference requests that members of the Methodist Church who for conscientious reasons refuse to carry arms or participate in war should, have their religious principles honoured. As a practical gesture of our belief that war is contrary to the Spirit of Jesus Christ, we urge that the Government replace the system of cadet military training by a citizenship training system which, while retaining many valuable features of the present system, such as physical training, discipline, and social companionship, will be completely separated from the present war system and will he in harmony with Christian ideals. Since resort to war is not in harmony with the spirit of Christ, and is a crime against humanity, this conference reiterates its abhorrence of the increasing output of armaments, and indignantly protests against the fact, as proved liv the League of Nations, that international armament firms are intent on thwarting all efforts for peace, and are a distinct factor .in promoting war. Such efforts made on fear, suspicion, injustice, and selfishness of the nations tend to precipitate a catastrophe. This conference therefore pleads that the Government and people shall turn from thoughts and policies of rearmament, to direct their effort to the strengthening of League of Nations and other organisations, which have for their object the maintenance of peace and to cultivate the spirit of peace among . ourselves in our immediate environment. This conference also protests against such publications and speeches as tend to promulgate the spirit of war, or to suggest that war is inevitable. Gathered in this conference we would urge that as members of the church we humble ourselves before God, confessing our sins, individual and national, and that wo pray that God may teach us the true way of life, that wo may walk therein, and so increasingly manifest the Spirit of Him Who is the Prince of Peace. Supplementing the above the committee desires to make public a further resolution of the conference as follows; To this end we urge, ns a necessity that every individual in our church should consider his or her attitude to this all-important ques- • tion of peace, especially as there is still a. possibility of war. Should this come, wo realise the grave decision that will be demanded of us. There are those who are sincere lovers of their country whose inward conviction and loyalty to Christ will coin pel them to apply the Christian affirmation by refusal to hear arms, in any circumstances, while others will fee! the Christian necessity of giving effect to obligations, commitments and loyalties of a national and international character. Therefore, we. uphold liberty of conscience in whichever direction loyalty to inward conviction may carry them.
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Evening Star, Issue 22146, 28 September 1935, Page 13
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614CHURCH AND PEACE Evening Star, Issue 22146, 28 September 1935, Page 13
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