SOME INJUSTICE

Waikato Times, Volume 129, Issue 21583, 20 November 1941, Page 4

SOME INJUSTICE

RIGHTS OF CONSCIENCE APPEAL BOARD TREATMENT METHODIST MINISTER’S CLAIM / AUCKLAND, Thursday Referring to conscientious objectors at the annual synod of the Auckland District of the Methodist Church yesterday, the chairman, the Rev. F. Copeland, said he disagreed with the views of those who thought it their duty to refuse any kind of assistance to their country. “My unequivocal position,” he said, “ enables me to speak all the more freely. When I express the difficulty I have in understanding the grounds upon which the conscientious genuineness or otherwise of those appearing before the various appeal boards is determined. In some cases, I consider that, to put it quite moderately, very much less than justice had been done, one result being to create serious doubts in the minds of some people whether we are not, in practice, repudiating some of the democratic rights for which we claim to be sacrificing our manhood.

“ I consider it a matter for regret, however, that no form of alternative service has been devised save by means of the defaulters’ detention camps. If no other method of using this section of our manpower can be devised, then I suggest that some other designation should be used. A stigma attaches to the term defaulter that ought not to rest upon some of the men, at least, who will be inmates of these camps.”

CHRISTCHURCH OPINIONS (By Telegrapn.—Press Association) CHRISTCHURCH, Wednesday The opinion that some conscientious objectors “ of undoubted sincerity ” had had their appeals dismissed by appeal boards and that a higher tribunal should be set up to give a rehearing in such cases was expressed in a motion passed by the North Canterbury District Methodist Synod. Some of the clergy stron&ly criticised some decisions by appeal boards. Other members contended that the Church was not justified in questioning the actions of a judicial tribunal. MINISTERS’ INDISCRETIONS (By Telegrapn.—Press Association) DUNEDIN, Wednesday The following resolution was passed tonight by the Methodist Synod of Otago and Southland: “ That the synod views with concern the continued indiscretions committed by some ministers and leaders of our Church while attending military appeal boards. It believes that the general public regards such acts as indicative of the official attitude of our Church in the present national crisis. It therefore calls on the conference to enforce such discipline, or if necessary to draft and enact such legislation, as will prevent future misrepresentation.”