Evening star., 1942-10-24

SdiliACu. SOAlIC1OClIG Will IAlAS A1OfC,
IN the Japanese-controlle press and
over to native Christians-which
they have been doing any way by
degrees-and suffer Japanese con-
troll.
Norwegian Clergy Ousted.
The church conflict in Norway was
again sharpened this week wnen Is
clergymen were ordered to leave
their parishes and put under police
surveillance. This Is believed to be
the largest wholesale ousting of
clergymen so far undertaken by the
Quisling government.
The 1,100 Norwegian pastors who
resigned en- masse some months ago
were deprived of their salaries, but
were permitted to remain at their
posts.
Meanwhile, Polish sources an
nounced that Gestapo Chief Heinrich
Himmler has drafted and sent to the
President Of the Episcopal Confer
ence at Fulda an ordinance limiting
the religious freedom of Poles forced
to work in Germany. One of the six
restrictions states that "Poles have
no inherent right to- hold religious
services"
The Berlin radio reported the
resignation Of Patriarch Nicodim
Munteanu as head of the Orthodox
Church In Rumania. The Berlin
announcer said that nothing is
available regarding the reason for
his resignation"
Patriarch Nicodim, who is II years
old, became head Of the Rumanian
Orthodox Church in June, 1899. He
was considered a liberal churchman
who had consistently remained out
of politics.
Laymen for Pulpits.
United States church groups
began a movement this week to en-
courage laymen to undertake parish
duties which have traditionally been
handled by clergymen. The move
was in connection with the growing
shortage Of clergymen. which is be-
coming acute in some denomina-
tions.
Speakers at the United Lutheran
Church Brotherhood Convention at
Louisville urged members to serve
as lay readers, parish workers and
church visitors. One speaker pointed
out that when Russian bishops and
pastors disapproved, secretly or
dained merchants, farmers and truck
drivers took their places.
The National Conference of the
Evangelical Church at Naperville
ILL.,, outlined the career possibilities
for able laymen in the field of re.
lgion.
The Holston (Tenn.) conferenc,
OF the Methodist Church received
recommendation that lay speaker
be used to fill pulpits of churche
made vacant as result of preacher
entering the chaplaincy or for othe
reasons. 1t is recalled that the Gen
eral Board of Lay Activities Of tn,
Methodist Church recommended re-
Gently that lay speakers be uset
to conduct church services wher
necessary. 1t was suggested thar
such 4aymen be given prepared ser.
mons and other material to be pre-.
sented from. the pulpit t6'7
| 1t Is noted by observers that thu
lay ministry has received great i'm.
petus in Germany as one means o.
keeping the churches alive. In some
sections Of the Reich 86 per cent O.
the clergy have been modified
Many others have been arrested
But in most cases whenever a paste,
has been arrested or drafted TO,
military service a layman has taker
over the pulpit and parish duties.
So widespread has this practic,
evidently become that last sprins
the Nazis began copying it. The,
appointed pro-Nazi laymen to holt
religious services. To give this NOV,
an appearance Of legality they re
stored the ancient Office of lector
In the past lectors had the right t,
read sermons written by qualified
churchmen.
Laymen were also active in Britain
thls week. Leading businessmen
joined with clerical leaders in tn,
start OF a campaign to bring religio,
to bear upon the life of the CITY O
LONDON. The first meeting was hel,
at the Mansion House, under tn
sponsorship Of the lord mayor. 1
special committee was formed 4
carry on the canonoiop