CHURCH AND WAR

Hokitika Guardian, 30 November 1928, Page 6

CHURCH AND WAR

CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTORS

PRESBYTERIAN ASSEMBLY’S DECISION.

AUCKLAND, Nov. 28

The most highly controversial matter the Presbyterian Assembly has had before it in its present sessions was reached last evening when the Rev. Dr. Gibb presented the report of the Public Questions Committee. Two matters dealt with were compulsory military training and the rights of conscientious objectors, and a manifesto on the subject of peace. The conscientious objectors referred to were A. M. Richard' and other Aucklanders whose cases have been prominently before the public. Dr Gibb submitted tbe following motion : “That this Assembly reaffirm the resolution of the last Assembly regarding military training and the rights oi conscience, approve the act: oil of the Committee in supporting the claims of Messrs Richards, Byrt. and Miller for exemption, and instruct the Committee to continue its efforts to obtain the ruling of the Gov.ernor-in-Council regarding an alternative form of,service for conscientious objectors.” The Rev. W. McLean, of Onmaru. immediately rose to ask that the resolution should he divided into three parts. Dr Gi-'L -eventually-agreed to make it. two, the first part ending at “rights of- conscience.” Mr McLean warmly condemned as “unlair and improper.” Dr Gibb’s reference to the resolution as having been carried unanimously by the hist Assembly. .Further intervention by Mr McLean, on what proved afterwards to he a mutual misunderstanding, led Dr Gibb to exclaim: “I shall step down from the rostrum and leave the House if there is any more of this.” A rebuke from the Moderator, who said quietly: “You must leave the control of the meeting to me,” was warmly applauded. Dr Gibb’s motion was seconded by the Rev. J. D. Smith, of Mnnaia, veteran chaplain of the Church.

The Rev. D. Dutton said that if ho one else was going to 'speak against the motion he certainly would. It-Was altogether a mistake for the Assembly, to take up the position ondiotating to the State the form of military'service. They must either abolish their military forces altogether or see to it that they were efficient. The only efficient form of military service in this country was its existing system. Air Coleman, of Hawera, . asked if there was a. Church in the world that owed more to the sword than did theirs. They should he the last to raise their voices against- the Defence Act. Tf a man felt he could not render military service he should think twice before seeking to enter the ministry of their Church. Those ministers were going to teach children and what would they put- in their ■/- V U , The belief that a very serious iiiistake had been mac]e by the Assembly in pronouncing against compulsory military service- was expressed by the Hon Air GowV . , ■: ' The Rev. Dr Erv’iu, of Christchurch, said that disarmament could come only by mutual compact among tbe nations, and that had not been .reached. The debate was closed' and Dr Gibb's motion was .declared carried by 99 votes to GO.

Dr Gibb then brought forward the second part of the resolution approving the action of the Committee in supporting the claims of Pichards and others. Tt had seemed to the Committee. lie said, that the authorities in this matter were regarding the decisions of the Church with indifference and. indeed, with contempt. The Committee was so much convinced of the justice of the claims of these young men that they sent him. to Auckland to take what steps bethought fit to vindicate not only the, rights of these young men, hut also the honour and .standing of the Church. On , arrival in Auckland lie learned a very significant thing—that cnttlie.very morning of the prosecution of yolnig" Richards, 1 a telegram was received) from, the Minister for Defence tlniiAthe, prosecntiAh was withdrawn. The an thorites had evidently become aware thjit they were driving the Church into a position of antagonism to the whole military system. The young men bad been, and still wore anxious and willing to enter on any kind of service prescribed by the proper authority. The present situation was most unsatisfactory. These young men had been loft alone, and there had been no prosecution, and it was clear the authorities recognised that moral right was on their side. The honour of the Church was involved in standing by them. The Dev. AY. McLean said lie opposed the motion, although lie had supported the previous one. These particular men had caused a good deal of trouble the local Presbytery. They wore immature young men who had not considerd the question from all points of view, and they were under the nfluonce of an older man. He lost confidence in the conscientious objector when he refused all service.

Tn reply to a question. Dr Gibbs said the young men were willing to assist in making roads or unloading fruit ships, or any non-military public service. Air Logan, of Pnngiora. moved that the second part of the motion...instructing the Committee to continue should be deleted. The matter should now be allowed to drop.

The voting on the amendment was very even, and Dr Gibb agreed to accept the amendment. His motion was carried on the voices.