WORLD PEACE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 83, Issue 38, 15 February 1939, Page 9

WORLD PEACE

“BROTHERHOOD SUNDAY” OBSERVANCE IN WANGANUI World Brotherhood Sunday was observed by the Wanganui branch of the World Brotherhood Federation on Sunday, the president, Bro. E. Britton, presiding. The proceedings were opened by the singing of the Brotherhood welcome, followed by the hymn, “Jesus Shall Reign Where’er the Sun.” Bro. E. Swain read the aims of the movement. Prayer was led by Bro. Chaplain Fraser, who also read the Scripture lesson set by the London Brotherhood executive to be used throughout the world in the various Brotherhood meetings. The world president’s message was delivered by Bro. Brittan.

The Rev. Alan A. Brash, M.A., 8.D., gave an address on world peace, stating that the only meeting of the Brotherhood he had attended was at Edinburgh a few years ago, when the late Canon R. Sheppard spoke to over 600 men. At the conclusion of the address the following pledge was endorsed: “I pledge myself to oppose anything that fosters the spirit of war, and in the building of a new nation to undertake constructive peace action by working for social justice, economic security, international co-operation and world friendship.” Mr. Brash was given a vote of' thanks, as was Mr. Graham Holland for presiding at the piano. The message of the world president, Mr. Philip Noel Baker, M.P., said: “We are living in dangerous times, when it may well seem to the indifferent observer that the Brotherhood ideal had been destroyed by the cruel march of world events, and that the movement had no further part to play in shaping the destiny of mankind. It is true that the nations now look on at massacres such as those in Spain and China and persecutions like the present persecution of the Jews in Germany, and that they have not yet compelled their governments to make an adequate protest of any kind. But I believe that, in fact, the conscience of every nation has been deeply stirred. These events do not mean the defeat of the Brotherhood ideal. They are, indeed, a challenge to every member of every Christian Church; and, being a challenge, they are an opportunity as well. Each of us has duties to his family and to his State. But he has duties also to mankind at large, and not least to the destitute refugees who are the human wreckage of the international storm. If the movement stands firm to its ideal and if each member carries out these duties with all his power, I still believe that it may exercise a mighty influence in bringing the peoples back to the path which will lead to Christian toleration, Christian brotherhood and Christian peace."