The labor world. [volume] (Duluth, Minn.) 1896-current, 1912-06-01
TO BAND CHURCHES
IN SOCIAL REFORM
Methodist Conference In Session
In Minneapolis Enters In.
dustrial Field.

MINNEAPOLIS, May so.-social
service is one of the greatest ques-
tions being considered at the Metho-
dist Episcopal general conference, in
session at Minneapolis. The move
ment is being led by such men as
Lieutenant Governor Albert J. Wal
lace of California, former Governor
J. Frank Hanley of Indiana and other
men prominently before the public
eye.
The first concerted action toward
the study Of the social problem in
connection with the church was the
resolutions passed at the general con-
ference in 1908. Since then the fed
.erai council of the Churches of Christ
Of America, -. comprising delegates
from all Of the Protestant churches
of the country, has adopted a gener-
al statement, which will come before
the different church bodies for rati-
fication. It is the hope of the leaders
in the movement to unite all Of the
churches in one powerful united
movement for social reform.
This, I think, is one of the great
est questions which we are to consid-
er at this conference" said Mr.. Wal
lace. 1.-The church must find some
way to attract into its membership
the workers Of the world, which are
now seldom seen at it's services. The
rural church is a mighty problem
which must receive careful attention
The conference during the last
three days Of its session acted upon
the adoption of the statement of the
council, which was formerly approved
by the committee on the state of the
church. The committee had pre-
pared a condensed report which it
asked the church to- adopt into its
discipline. 49,.
Statement of the Council
The statement of the council Is as
follows:
For equal rights and complete JUS
ticc for all men in all stations Of life
For the protection of the family, by
the single standard of purity, uni
form divorce laws. proper regulation
Of marriage and proper housing.
For the fullest possible develop
ment for every child, especially by the
provision of proper education and rec.
reation.
For the abolition of child labor.
For such regulations of the condi-
tions of toll for women as shall safe
guard the physical and moral health
Of the community.
For the abatement and prevention
Of POVERTY.
For the best possible care of ali
dependent persons. and also all pris.
eners.
For the protection Of the 1ndivid-
ual and society from the social. eco
,1ornic and moral waste Of the liquor
traffic -, 49,
For the conservation Of health.
For the protection of the worke,
from dangerous machinery, occupa.
tional disease, injuries and mortality
For free access to employment anj
the means of self-maintenance 70,
all men and for the protection Of
workers from the risk of enforced un.
employment.
For suitable provision for the old
age of the workers and for those in.
capac;tated by injury.
For the principle of Cancellation
and arbitration in industrial disputes
For tho release from employment
che day IN seven.
For the gradual and reasonable re.
duction of the hours of labor to the
lowest practicable point, and for thai
degree of leisure for all which is g
condition of the highest human life
For living wage as minimum
IN every industry and for the highest
wage that each industry can afford
For the most equitable division o.
the product of industry that can ul.
timately be devised.
Out of these principles and meas
ures the federal council, through it.
commission on the church and socia
service, has selected the following a.
calling for immediate action by tn,
churches in the industrial field.
One days rest in seven
Reduction OF the hours of labor.
A living wage.