Permissible Prayers

New Zealand Listener, Volume 2, Issue 36, 1 March 1940, Page 12

Permissible Prayers

Acting on the’ recommendation of. the advisory committee on religious broadcasts, the South African Broadcasting Corporation has decided to request ministers, conducting broadcasting services to limit their prayers in relation to the war to prayers . for righteous peace. It requests, too, that any expression of national or partisan sentiments be omitted from prayers and sermons. The following summary of views held unanimously by. ministers present at the meeting where this matter was discussed, serves to indicate the policy which the Corporation desires to have observed more clearly: "The God to whom we pray is God and Father of all. In our prayers we do not pray for victory as though that were primary; nor do we pray that victory may be given to one side or nation. " Righteousness .and justice are primary, and for these we pray. We pray, too, that God will defend right and that His will and not man’s will may be done on earth, "In all sermons we remember that many listening in to us have their own convictions about the war. Conscience is supreme and it must be respected as we desire men to respect our own. Therefore all national or partisan references in sermons are out of place. "As we pray so we preach, that all men.may seek primarily justice, mercy and righteousness, realising that all nations, as all individuals, have come short of those essential qualities of the Spirit. The church can best serve the nation by avoiding criticism and preaching reconstruction."-(S.A. Press Association. )