The Communists.
Since Russia has come into the War the Communist Party in this country has become more voluble and are demanding a place in the sun. As an American commentator of world affairs sententiously put it: Russia is not so red as it used to be. Last month the Edinburgh Town Council granted the use of the Synod Hall for the Communists to hold a meeting on the Sabbath. The plea advanced on their behalf was that there was a war on and that it was with the purpose of advancing the Allied cause. These politicians of the red type were not quite so patriotic to the Allied cause before Russia came in. They need careful watching. Apart altogether from their political colour the Lord’s Day is not a day to be used by Conservatives, Liberals, Labour or Communists to set forth their war aims. We may have plenty of trouble from these Sabbath breakers later on if we are not on our guard.
Anti-Nazi Protests in Holland.
Declarations protesting against Nazi anti-Christian actions were read in all churches in the Netherlands on Sabbath, April 19th, it is learned in London. This was the first united protest to be made by the Churches of an occupied country against Nazi barbarity. The Protestant declaration referred to the “heavy struggle in the course of which many may have to sacrifice their freedom.” The Roman Catholic authorities also caused a protest to be read in their churches.
Brothers All.
On another page attention is called to an extraordinary movement launched recently in London. At the end of May, Dr. Fisher, Bishop of London, presided at a meeting at which Dr. Temple, the recently appointed Archbishop of Canterbury, the Roman Catholic Archbishop, Dr. Hinsley, and representatives of the Free Churches (Non-Conformists), were present. A joint statement on co-operation between the churches to promote the application of what was termed Christian principles to national and international life was issued. The Bishop of London declared that “never since the Reformation has there been such a measure as this.” Cardinal Hinsley, wearing his red robe, attended as the President of that dangerous movement, the Sword of the Spirit. The Archbishop of Canterbury attended as chairman of the Anglican and Free Church Commission (Non-Conformist) of the Churches. The Babel tower-builders were not the last who embarked on foolish schemes and their fate ought to be a warning to these church dignitaries with their present schemes.
What is it all About?
The statement read at the meeting is to the following effect: “Our purpose is to unite informed and convinced Christians all over the country in common action on broad lines and international policy. We agree to act together to secure the effective influence of Christian teaching and witness in the handling of social, economic and civic problems, now and in the critical post-war period. We are all profoundly impressed with the increasing danger that in our generation the Christian heritage may be lost, and that our country may increasingly slip into accepting Pagan standards and ideals. The crisis of civilisation, and the possibilities open to Christians in the period of reconstruction in the national and international field, make it essential that all this work of Christian co-operation should be intensified and extended.” Even though the aims were better than they are it should not be forgotten that many a ship with valuable cargo has been wrecked by the careless seamanship of those who sailed the vessel. The avowed effort to unite informed and convinced Christians on broad lines and international sounds very well but it seems to us that its very policy will be its greatest handicap. From Dr. Hinsley’s remarks it is evident that as far as the Papists are concerned this movement is receiving their blessing for certain well known reasons.
The Pilgrim Pltayers.
The following paragraph appeared in the June number of Life and Work: The Record of the Church of Scotland: “There is a breath of mediæval romance in the name of this little company of professional actors. And their performances certainly do not belie the promise of the name. The company was formed with a definite war-time aim—to carry religious drama to people in every part of the country. The plays they perform include The Way of the Cross, a Passion Play, by Henri Gheon; Murder in the Cathedral, by T. S. Eliot; Noah, by André Obey; Tobias and the Angel, by James Bridie; and Pilgrim Pie, a series of three plays on Bible stories adapted for children. Performances have been given in an extraordinary variety of places—in Cathedrals, in churches, in church halls, in town halls, in schools, Nissen huts and garrison theatres, in social centres, in air-raid shelters, and in prisons. In Scotland they have already toured in the Borders. In Edinburgh they had many engagements including performances in St. Giles’ Cathedral and St. Mary’s Cathedral. From there they have visited St. Andrew’s, Stirling, and Kirkcaldy. The first days of this month are to be spent in Kirkcaldy, and after a return to Edinburgh they will visit Dundee, Aberdeen, and the West and South-West of Scotland. . . . They have greatly appreciated the welcome they have so far received in Scotland; and they, on their side, are giving Scotland a treat of a unique kind.” Is Life and Work approving of the work of these actors? If not, why is there no word of disapproval? Nothing further need be said except to add that this consorting with the stage bodes no good for the Church.
A Bad Move Contemplated.
An application to the Sheriff was to be made by Glasgow Corporation to amend the Parks by-laws in order to permit the playing of bowls on the Municipal Greens on the Sabbath. At the time of writing the Sheriff’s decision has not been announced but the trend of opinion in the Town Council was clearly seen by a vote of 51 to 27 in favour of the proposal. Glasgow cut itself adrift from its moorings when it excised from its motto, “by the preaching of the Word”—Let Glasgow flourish by the preaching of the Word.” Since then one step has led to another on the downward course. The most devoted advocate of Anti-Sabbatarianism can scarcely plead that the playing of bowls is a work of necessity and mercy. One of the speakers (a lady councillor) said that the request had come from the Glasgow Trades Council, an organization which represented 170,000. To clinch her plea this lady informed the Council that she had played bridge on a Sabbath evening with church elders. This is poor logic and worse ethics. If church elders are doing what they ought not to do that is no reason why one should take another wrong step in breaking the divine law.
Roman Catholics in Office.
Bamford, Eric St. John, C.M.G., Deputy Director-General Ministry of Information; Bruce-Lockhart, R. H., Director-General Political Warfare, Ministry of Information; Burns, Thos. Ferrier, Ministry of Information; Casey, Miss May, Examiner to Censorship; Downes, Miss Margaret May, Credits Dept. Exports Guarantee, Board of Trade; Greene, Sir W., P.C., O.B.E., M.C., Master of the Rolls; Hope, Hon. Richard, Ministry of Information; Heath, Dr. Isobel Powell, Regional Officer, British Hygienic Council; Kirkpatrick, Ivone, Assistant to Director-General Ministry of Information; Lanktree, H. E., Director Newsprint, Paper Control, Ministry of Supply; Lomax, Michael Trappes, Ministry of Information; Malley, Bernard, Assistant Press Attaché, British Embassy, Madrid; Rewcastle, Dr. Attracta G., Supt. Women’s Royal Naval Service.—Church Magazine.