THE CATHOLIC CHURCH AND MILITARY TRAINING.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXVI, Issue 55, 10 July 1913, Page 5

THE CATHOLIC CHURCH AND MILITARY TRAINING.

j [To The Editor Stratford Post.] i Sir, —Your paper to hand containing article re the position of the .Catholic Church in reference to the present world wide cry of Peace. Sir, jour article points out that Monsignor Bickerstaffe Drew refused the request of the British Peace Council to

i attend their Conference at Mansion I House. Sir, we respect the Rev. prelate’s opinion, nevertheless your article in no respects can claim that the

| Catholic Church is whole hearted in i supporting the present mad race for | armaments all at the expense of I Christianity, education, and industry. Sir, 1 am forwarding to you a pam- ! phlet, namely, Catholicism and Peace, by the Rev. Joseph Keating, S.J., published by the Catholic Truth Society, of London. Mr Editor, the Rev. Joseph Keating, speaking on behalf of the Catholic Church, says the present military agitation the world over is to ho regretted, but whilst other nations are arming, wo must of necessity arm also. But, Mr 1 Editor, for the benefit of your readjers, the Catholic Church openly condemns the present unscrupulous and diabolical methods which underlie the whole movement re the building of huge armies and navies for defence purposes. Sir, the Catholic Church admits the great power and influence of the Press over the bulk of mankind, nevertheless the Church claims—and i rightly so—that the Press, as a whole, has shirked its responsibilities in refusing to advocate the principles of peace, nation towards nation. Sir, Catholicism and peace should command the attention of every thinking person in the Dominion; its platform is true and clear, presenting a study in a great cause, namely—The World’s Peace.—l am, etc.,

P. KELLY

Wellington, July o 5

[Our correspondent is in error. Monsignor Drew does not support the mad race for armaments—and we never said that he did. He agrees in principle with the Rev. Father Keating, that “while other nations are arming, we, of necessity, must arm also,” and because of this he holds—with most -easanahle people—that military training is necessary. Further, that is all mr reference indicated.—Ed., "Stratord Post.”]