THE following declaration was read from all pulpits of the Netherlands Reformed Church on Sabbath, February 21st, 1943:—”Though conscious of its own unworthiness before God, it is the task of the Church—by virtue of the vocation that it has received from Christ—to raise its voice, even in matters of public life, in protest when the principles that have their root in the Gospel are being violated. The Church therefore has repeatedly lodged serious complaints with the occupying power regarding the measures that constitute specific violations of the principles on which the Christian life of our people is based: justice, charity, and freedom of conscience. The Church therefore has drawn the attention of the occupying power to:—the increasing lawlessness; the persecution unto death of Jewish fellow-citizens; the fact that an outlook on life which is a flagrant violation of the gospel of Jesus Christ is forced upon the people; the compulsory labour service as a national socialist educational institution; the forced labour of Netherland workers in Germany; the killing of hostages; the imprisonment of numerous Dutch subjects, including Church dignitaries, in such conditions that an alarming number have already lost their lives in concentration camps.
In view of the latest developments, the Church now has to raise its voice against the acts of hunting, rounding-up and carrying off of thousands of young people. On the other hand, the Church also feels bound to issue an emphatic warning against hatred and feelings of revenge in the hearts of our people and expressions thereof. According to the Word of God no one may take the law into his own hands. It is also the Church’s duty to preach the Word of God which says: “God must be obeyed above men.” This Word is a guide in all conflicts of the conscience, including those created by the measures which are now being taken. And it forbids co-operation in unjust deeds. Co-operation renders the participant an accomplice in injustice. The Churches desire once more to bring these matters to the notice of the Reichscommissar. They pray God that the occupying power as well as our people may find the way of justice and obedience to His Word.”—English Churchman.