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New Zealand Listener, Volume 31, Issue 797, 29 October 1954, Page 5

Sir,-As a foreigner who has experienced "freedom of worship" and all other "freedoms" under the Communist regime, may I be permitted to comment on one of the main issues Mr. Collins raised in his recent talks on Russia? ‘There is no persecution of the Church today ....,’ and "worship is free to those who wish to attend, . ." I feel that only a man who has no knowledge. of the history of the "Living Church of Russia," and who is unable to comprehend the Communist tactics, can come to such, fallacious conclusions, Until 1939 the Church was subiect to most severe persecution. All clergy who did not conform were liquidated, imprisoned, or disappeared into labour camps, Finally, in 1939, the Government: succeeded

in fomenting a schism of the Church and drastic and "progressive" changes followed. The Soviet authorities appointed their nominees as bishops, deans, and rectors, and the Church pledged unconditional support to the State. To describe briefly the perfidious attitude of the Communist régime to the Church, allow me to quote a part of a discussion I had shortly after World War II with a high Russian official: "We realise," said he, "that the older generations of our people will continue to accept religion. The force of habit of millions and tens of millions is a most terrible force, and therefore in the struggle. against the Church we have changed our tactics (in 1939) and have chosen a new way of undermining and liquidating the forces and traditions of the old reactionary society, In the transition period from Socialism to Communism the Church will, more or less, be a transit camp in which Christian teaching will be utilised for the cause of .Communism." As in Russia, so in her satellite countries the Church is being liquidated, systematically and deliberately. The clergy, carefully selected by the Communist authorities, are in return giving their full moral support to their Government "for the building of a new (Godless) society." They preach and teach that Communism and Christianity strive for the same social reforms, There is, thus, freedom of worship, guaranteed by the constitution; but a man who has the courage to attend public worship is considered at least "a superstitious fool," who in a "progressive society" has no chance of advancement. This explains why Mr. Collins has seen only middle-aged to elderly women in the churches. The two or three young men or women, whom Mr. Collins also saw in the churches, consist usually of courageous (called by Communists superstitious) men, or else police agents sent to all churches and ecclesiastical gatherings to report on _ sermons, speeches, and attendances.

A FOREIGNER

(Hamilton).