The Dutch Churches' Courage
The stand which is being made by the Protestant and Roman Catholic Churches in Holland against the latest barbarities of the Nazis commands the admiration of the world. First the wholesale deportation of able-bodied Men to forced labour in Germany stirred them to protest in the name of Christianity, and letters were read from all the pulpits of the Dutch Reformed Church and of Roman Catholic Churches denouncing the injustice and calling for
a crusade of prayer. All the other Churches in the Netherlands issued similar declarations. An even more shocking event, the decision to proceed against the Jews by sterilising partners in mixed marriages, is the subject of an outspoken letter addressed to the quisling ruler, Seyss-Inquart, by the leaders of all the Churches. The language of these protests is eloquent and moving. Their authors know that as long as the Nazis control their countries there is no physical sanction for the maintenance of justice. Their declaration is a spiritual one, and they dare all in demanding the prayers of Christians. Their forcible and admirably phrased appeal drives home the frightfulness of the sufferings which the Nazis have imposed on the occupied countries and the devilry of German rule indicated by Mr. Churchill when he speaks of Hitler as "that evil man." Here in Holland we have one more example showing that the ruthless barbarity which we are fighting against has not quelled the spirit of the conquered peoples.
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