MILITARY SERVICE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 8 October 1940, Page 7

MILITARY SERVICE

ATTITUDE OF THE CHURCHES REGARDING CLERGYMEN. & STUDENTS. PRESBYTERIAN STATEMENT. (By Telegraph—Press Association.) WELLINGTON, This Day. The decisions of the War Cabinet in respect of clergymen called up in conscription ballots and conscientious objectors to military service are published in a recent issue of the "Outlook,” official organ of the Presbyterian Church of New Zealand. For some time past the public questions committee of the Presbyterian Church in conjunction with representatives of other Churches, has been in touch with the Government concerning ministers of the Church and national service and also regarding conscientious objectors, the report states. The decisions made have been notified by the Prime Minister, Mr Fraser These are: — (1) That where clergymen, men in holy orders, or regular ministers of any denomination, including Marist or Christian Brothers, home missionaries or religious teachers, are called in a ballot, the head of their Church may lodge an appeal certifying that the calling up of such men is contrary to public interest. (2) That where theological students and students of Marist Brothers’ training schools are called in a ballot the head of the Church may make a similar appeal. (3) That appeals on conscientious grounds be dealt with after considering the merits of each individual case and where it is established that the appellant holds the genuine belief tha* it is wrong to engage in warfare in any circumstances, the appeal will br allowed and a recommendation made that alternative service be given. The Prime Minister states that- appellate tribunals will be recommended to adjourn sine die apneals on behalf of clergy and students. It was considered unlikely that any actual hearing of the cases would be necessary. The public questions committee has recommended the Moderator of the Presbyterian Church to appeal for al 1 ministers and home missionaries srawn in the recent Territorial service ballot unless they expressly desire otherwise. The Theological Hall committee i c taking responsibility for theoWgical students, both in advisirr the Moderator as to what action he should take and in acquainting the students with the position. The public questions committee while it realises that each man must be allowed to decide for himself whether or not he shall allow the Church to appeal for him. has pointed out to'the men concerned that, in it? opinion, it is of the utmost importance that the work of the Church should be carried on as nearly as possible at full strength during these difficult days.