The Churches and the Unemployed

Hokitika Guardian, 12 January 1922, Page 4

The Churches and the Unemployed

LONDON, Noy 18. The Venerable, Archdeacon C. C. ‘Harper writes to the “Guardian”* saying that he has received a letter asking him to co-operate with the signatories in a demonstration to be held in Trafalgar square “to appeal to the. conscience of London on behalf of the unemployed.” It is called “A Demonstration to the Churches.” It is signed' by eleven fairly well-known persons. “In regard to this and similar movements, it is fain to ask,” he says, “by whose authority have these self-appoint-ed persons a right to claim to represent ‘the Churches’ P I’ feel I shall not be alone in protesting against this claim, *in any circumstances ;• and when I read their manifesto T ath more anxious to protest. This manifesto gives three 1 heads Of matters for which the promoters claim they represent ‘the Churches.’ The first is the full Communistic cry of ‘full maintenance,’ backed by a completely fallacious argument. The second deals with six ways Of making work, all of which Have for,' some time been considered by local and Other auauthorities, and some are in operation. Our self-appointed representatives are late in the day. The third! refers to the international situation, which is obvious to oil. I have a great objection to its being put forward that ‘the Churches’ are demonstrating on this programme, which will be a means of supporting and encouraging extremist doctrines and claims, and will be looked upon by very many as merely an attempt to curry favour with a powerful section of the community.”