THE CHURCH IN GERMANY
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Sin,—Dr. Charles Singer would like to think well of the Congressional leaders, and he proposes a test, if they are to acquire his esteem. His test is the quotation of clear statements protesting against specific acts of cruelty, injustice or persecution against persons not of their communion.
When people are daring to protest against the oppressive actions of a tyrannical Government they have to consider carefully how best their protest can be made. The Confessional leaders judged that the best way was to go to the root of the matter and take a stand on principle. This was why, quite early, in fact in 1933, they denounced the doctrine of blood, race and soil, and in particular resisted the imposition of the Aryan paragraph in the Church. In this way they condemned the whole attack on the Jews. Then in 1936, as I pointed out a fortnight ago, they condemned the creation of concentration camps and illegal arrests. In so doing they championed the cause of all the oppressed. The conse- quence was that hundreds of Confessionals were imprisoned.
I would like to think well of Dr. Charles Singer, and shall be able to do so, if he recognises that these were brave acts, defending men of the Jewish communion as well as of all Christian communions. We who have not had to resist unto death should surely be modest and respectful in our demands on those who have.—Yours obediently,
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