On Censorship — Argentinian Example to Britain
The following news item from Reuter is illuminating:— “All films, television and theatre shows will be subject to strict censorship by an Argentine Government agency under a decree published in Buenos Aires. It empowers the censor to ban films or cut scenes affecting public morals and behaviour or endangering national security, scenes justifying adultery or damaging marriage and family life, justifying abortion, prostitution and sexual perversion and justifying crime. Lewd scenes at variance with morals and good behaviour would also be cut out.” Whatever the actual source of this decree, it is a reproof and an example to Britain, where we have a continual campaign against censorship of any kind. The terms and application of the Argentine decree are sorely needed in Britain to bring the activities of a “permissive society” under control.
Plea by Humanists Rejected
It may not be generally known that there is a Humanist Parliamentary Group who are very active as Members of Parliament and as Humanists outside and inside the House. There are thirty-six M.P.s in the group, and they all belong to the Labour Party, and six peers. It may well be that there are Humanists in other parties in the House of Commons, but apparently they do not belong to this active group. In this group are Mr Michael Foot, Mr Emrys Hughes, Mrs Bessie Braddock and Mr Douglas Houghton and others. The Humanists are enemies of the Christian faith. They may for argument’s sake deny this. Yet they are working hard to eliminate the teaching of the knowledge of the Christian religion in our schools. This group complained to the BBC Chairman, Lord Hill, that they think Humanists are not getting a fair deal on Radio and TV. Lord Hill rejected their arguments and told them that many correspondents complained to him that Humanist opinion is over represented and that the non-Christian point of view tends to be taken for granted. It is thought by some, that Lord Hill, as the new Chairman of the BBC, will exercise a beneficial influence against what is morally evil and harmful. In conversing recently with men of liberal views, we heard them denounce some BBC Television programmes in no uncertain terms, because they were disgusting in their opinion. It would be helpful if such persons would direct their protests, loud and clear, to the proper quarter.
Another Cardinal for Scotland
Rev. Dr Gordon J. Gray, Roman Catholic Archbishop over Roman Catholics in the St. Andrews – Edinburgh area of Scotland, has been appointed a cardinal. The last cardinal appointed in Scotland, over 400 years ago, was David Beaton, an active persecutor of the Reformers. We do not read in the New Testament history of the Apostolic Church of the office of pope or cardinal. They are the inventions of men. A former Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland welcomed the announcement and commended Rev. Dr Gray as a man who fostered good relations between the Churches in Scotland. We ask — good relations to what extent? As to Church government, doctrine, form of worship, sacraments and so on? Although some leaders in the Church of Scotland endeavour to have fellowship with the Roman Church, that fellowship can never go beyond talking, unless there is a departure from professed principles by the non-Roman Catholic participants. The appointment of a Cardinal to Scotland is of no significance whatsoever relative to Scotland’s need of the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. The Apostolic delegate in Britain had the ignorance and arrogance to congratulate not only R.C.s but all the people of Scotland on this Romish appointment.
A New Phase of Ecumenical Activity
Ecumenism has taken to the stage and drama. Recently members of Rosyth Council of Churches presented a play which dealt with a member of a Jewish family becoming a Christian. The local Roman Catholic priest produced the play and also took a part. The Episcopal rector, the Rev. C. Preston-Thomas, was stage manager, and in the cast and behind the scenes were members of the Church of Scotland and other denominations. This is the fourth year such an enterprise has been carried through. In Aberfoyle also, members of the Parish Church, the Episcopal Church and the Roman Catholic Church co-operated in staging a play illustrating the early years of the Christian Church. How far removed all these vain, worldly exertions and fellowships are from the spiritual unity of those who have been born of the Spirit and united by faith to Christ and thus united to one another. The living unity of all true believers in the Lord Jesus and in the truth of God, needeth not the performance of stage plays to further it. Fellowship on the stage will not eliminate the fable of the Mass; and is not intended to do so.