19 MAY 1933, Page 17

"! WHOSE GOD IS THE STATE "

- [To the Editor of THE SPECTATOR.] Sut,—In your article last week, " Whose God is the State," you say of Germany : " the new religion is Germanolatry. Even the Christian Churches, whose followers at least confess another God, have to recognize that." This is doubtless true of a large proportion of the rank and file of the Lutheran Church, but the present silence of its leaders must not by any means be taken to imply that they share this view. Their relations with the State are at this moment most difficult, and even critical ; not without courage, they are facing a movement which threatens their liberty and independent existence. Nor would your statement be true of the Bishops of the Roman Catholic Church. In a more- independent position, they have been able to speak and have spoken in no uncertain way.

It is not wise to give further details nor for me to sign my name, but the leaders of the German churches need the sympathy and prayers of English Christians.-I am, Sir, &c.,

X.