ATTITUDE IN WAR TIME

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20039, 11 September 1939, Page 4

ATTITUDE IN WAR TIME

“READJUST OUR HABITS” PRAYERS FOR SUFFERERS EACH TO RENDER SERVICE An appeal to all church people in the diocese has been made by the Bishop of Waiapu, ihe Rt. Rev. G. V. Gerard, in regard to the present period of war, and a pastoral letter was read in all churches throughout the diocese yesterday appealing for a readjustment of their habits, prayers for those suffering from the effects of the war, and service in whatever capacity it might be appropriate for persons to render.

“In a week, momentous events have transformed the circumstances surrounding our lives,” the Bishop’s letter stated. “The British Empire is at wap, and we must readjust our habits of thought and action to meet both the present situation and possible developments.

"In an eloquent message our Prime Minister followed the lead of Great Britain by stating that his people bore no enmity towards the mass of German citizens, but were fighting against* the ruthless policy imposed by the Nazi regime. '

“It is impossible to forecast the attendant conditibns under which decisions have to reach finality in great international crises, but we know that only after unprecedented efforts to preserve the peace have our leaders felt compelled to meet force- with force. Surge of Admiration “Throughout negotiations and in the final / hours of destiny His Majesty the King, Mr. Neville Chamberlain, and the British Parliament have conducted themselves magnificently, and stirred in us all a surge of admiration for the spirit that still fortifies our kinsmen of the homeland.

“The immediate causes of this war, lie in. the success achieved by acts of militant aggression during the past few years, thus deyitalising the League of Nations, and its ideals of collective security. Nevertheless as Christian people we must hot be unmindful of our share bf responsibility for the social, economic, and political world-conditions which have made possible the development of totalitarian states, now threatening the very existence of our cilivisation. Commendable progress has been made in raising the standard of living conditions in this and other lands, but we have felt little concern for the reciuirements of less favoured communities. Let penitence then have a place in our prayers.

Why This War? - , “Now you will probably hear the question asked: —‘Why does God permit this war to go on?' And briefly here is the answer. God has endowed mankind with free-will, pbwer to choose its own destiny, an attribute pregnant alike with the seeds of sainthood and sin. To compel right use of such powers would constitute a contradiction in itself. >

“With cheerful and ready co-opera-tion we must be prepared to accept such regulations and restrictions of our normal aqtivities as may be decreed for the common safety. As churchmen and women let us avoid unwholesome extremes of gloom or frivolity, but endeavour to assist ,in maintaining the moral of the community by setting an example of loyalty and unselfishness.

“Especially would I urge you _to direct, with prayerful ; deliberation the minds of adolescents and young people along paths of constructive expectation. May they be encouraged to anticipate the advent of a new order in human affairs, when, upbn a basis of mutual goodwill and cooperation their own generation will one day erect the fabric of a peace more lasting than any that the world has ever known.

Maintaining Ideals

“It is one affair to be drawn into conflict with a clear conscience, but another matter to prevent the degradation of our ideals once the blood of our kindred has flowed and the iron of suffering entered into our souls. Throughout the coming days of strife, and still more in the hour of victory, it will behove all chrisjians to testify untiringly of those eternal principles of justice and mercy without which all effort and sacrifice were but in vain.

“Daily, your parish priest will be in church for a short period saying his morning prayers and offering intercession to God. I would urge _ you to join him when you can, or failing that listen for the bell, and wherever you are, plead in silence for the souls of God’s suffering children, friends and foes.

“I am confident that you will, all acquit yourselves with honour, in whatever capacity it may be appropriate for each of you to render service, bringing credit ib the Church of God by your steadfast faith and devotion to duty.”