SOVIET RUSSIA

Wairarapa Times-Age, 11 December 1943, Page 3

SOVIET RUSSIA

THE RELIGIOUS QUESTION DEAN OF CANTERBURY'S VIEWS The Very Rev Hewlett Johnson, Dean of Canterbury, who trained as a scientist and an engineer before he was ordained, holds the view that Russia’s strength lies in her scientific and moral achievements. Russia, he*" believes, has introduced moral principle and scientific methods into the heart of her productive life. That is the prime cause of her strength. Russia reaps in war the harvest she sowed in peace. She is strong to protect life because she has been strong to promote life. The Dean has made an extensive study of the religious question in Russia, pointing out that Communism is no enemy to religion. Religious communities .in the U.S.S.R. number 30,000 and places of worship 8338. Believers freely practice religious worship, baptism, marriage and funeral ceremonies, etc. Clergy enjoy equal rights with other citizens. The Dean concludes that Russia still has much to learn from us, but we, too, have much to learn from Russia. What Russia has done wo can do in half the time if we build on the same moral, and scientific foundations, i’ha states.