168 Many TV programs are disgraceful and cigarette and liquor ads clutter them. Programs are also filled with violence. We call upon the Federal Communications Commission to put forth every effort to clean up such programs. Adopted The Committee on Social Welfare recommends that the Synod of 1953 go on record and declare that total abstinence is the preferred standard for al, but especially for ourselves as members and leaders of the church. Moderation is risky and costly and very often leads to alcoholism.
Abstinence is simple, safe and sensible, and a sure prevention against alcoholism.
The reaffirming of the action of 1953. The indiscriminate use of alcoholic beverageshas exacted a heavy toll from our communal life. The report goes into detail on some of the sociological problems involved. The Committee feels that the most effective ethical and spiritual witness that we as a church can muster is a united voluntary practice of total abstinence. We consider this an ethical rather than a legalistic principle.