CHURCH AND WAR

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Issue 133, 22 June 1937, Page 7

CHURCH AND WAR

Sabre-Rattling Prelates Denounced (Eeceived 22, 8.45 a.m.) LONDON, June 21. Babre-rattling churchmen were denounced by the Eev. E. M. Le Mes. surier, vicar of Holy Trinity, Saint Pancras, in the course of an address to his congregation. He dedared that it most certainly was not the Church's business to bless guns, battleships and bombing planes. Eeferring to the Archbishop of York, he continued; "It is horrible to see one of our Own archbishops bemoaning the fact that recruiting is not proceeding fast enough. Modern tattoos with their sentimental singing of •Abide With Me*" show the prostitution of those finer feelings which could oo nsed in the service of peace." He also attacked Nazi Germany, remarking: "If the State said 'thou shalt commit adultery5 in order to h&ve plenty of men for the army the issue for Christians would surely be plain, yet this is being done in Germany to_ day where a woman with an illegitimate baby is allowed to take the hon ourable title of 'Mrs. ' " Mr le Messurier interviewed, said: "1 spent three years in the ranks.in wartime, not as a padre, and I mow beastliness inside out. I am convinced there is no greater sin man ; can commit than make war. '*