THE CHURCH AND WORKERS.

Taranaki Daily News, 6 March 1920, Page 5

THE CHURCH AND WORKERS.

INDUSTRIAL UNREST DISCUSSED. THE INFLUENCE OP CHRISTIANITY. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Auckland, Last Night. The attitude of the Church to the present day labor problems was considered by the Methodist Conference to-day. Mr. 0. Johnson moved: "That in order to demonstrate its practical sympathy with the efforts being made for improving social and industrial conditions, the Conference be requested to set aside one Sunday throughout the whole Dominion as a day an which special reference should hi made by various preachers to the urgent necessity of the application of Christian principles in industrial affairs.'''

The mover said that now was the time for the church to show its sympathy with the people, in the fight against profiteering and other social evils.

' The motion was passed unanimously, and the Sunday prior to Labor Day was set aside for the purpose mentioned. The following motion was also carried:—"Being convinced that the present industrial unrest is largely the outcome of long-continued unjust and oppressive economic conditions, which are contrary to the- principles of Christianity, and have borne moat hardly on workers, the Conference earnestly recommends to members of our churches a systematic and sympathetic study of the present conditions of life in order to come to some just and effective solution of the problem in a better understanding between employers and employed, and closer co-operation for their mutual benefit and contentment. To that end the Conference further recommends that at least once quarterly in all churches an address shall be delivered on a pressing industrial question. That circuits be urged to discuss various industrial problems at their evening meetings, and that whenever opportunity arises quarterly meetings and synods should demonstrate their practical sympathy with labor by supporting just claims for improved conditions. The conference is of opinion that a solution of industrial unrest can be found only as the principles of Christianity are uncompromisingly applied to commercial, social and individual relationship."