6 SEPTEMBER 1940, Page 13

PACIFICISM AS VOCATION

Sus,—The Archbishop of Canterbury's statement that he believes some people may be called to be pacificists raises a difficult moral problem, but I believe there are strong arguments in support of such a view. Indeed it would appear to be a specially difficult case of what may be called a " selective vocation," i.e., an anti-social type of vocation, applicable to a few, but if generally adopted one which would disrupt society.

For instance it is generally admitted that some are called to a life of celibacy or poverty or of silence and meditation, though the general acceptance of such vocations would lead to chaos and despair. The foregoing argument is not a defence of the full pacificist position —which involves other' considerations—but I think it is strong enough to show that the Archbishops' statement is eminently reason-