Honolulu star-bulletin. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu, Hawaii]) 1912-2010, 1913-11-08
Of
CHURCH AS Seen
BY WORKERS
By PAUL SUPER.


the social needs of the day? Must it
use its influence to change social con-
ditions? Must it preach social gos-
pei? ~-:<- H.. So. - g. H.. .. -.
The churches themselves have ans
wered these questions with no uncer-
tain Yes, the church has "A special
mission, and its function is larger
than what some would call purely re-
ligious." -
Five years ago. though many do
not know ii, the council of churches.
meeting in Philadelphia, adopted what
has come to be recognized as the so
ciaf creed of the churches. To these
ends it is working. On these poia
the Protestant churches are united.
STATEMENT OF SOCIAL IDEALS
ADOPTED BY THE FEDERAL
COUNCIL OF CHURCHES AT
PHILADELPHIA, DEC. 1908.
/. This federal council places upon
record its profound belief that the
complex problems of modern industry
can be interpreted and solved only by
the teachings of the New Testament,
and that Jesus Christ is the final au-
thority in the social as well as the In
dividual life. Under this authority and
by application of this teaching the
contribution of human welfare by the
church. whatever its lapse and its de-
Jays. has been incalculable. The in
terest of the church in men is neither
recent nor artificial No challenge of
newly posted sentries can exclude it
from the ground where are struggle
and priyation and need
2. Christian practice has not al
ways been harmonious with Christian
principle. In the mighty task Of put
ting conscience and justice and love
into a Christian civilization, the
church with all its splendid achieve
ments, has sometimes faltered. But it
Las gone farther and suffered more
Than any other organized force the
world has ever known.
Confronting Crisis
3. The church now confronts the
most significant crisis and the great
est opportunity in its long career. In
part its ideals and priciples have be-
come the working basis of organiza-
ticns for social and industrial develop
ment. which do not accept It's spirit
ual leadership and which have been
estranged from its fellowship. We
believe, not for its own sake, but In
the interest of the kingdom of God,
the church must not merely acquiesce
in movements outside OF II which
make for human welfare, but must
demonstrate, not by proclamation but
by deeds, its pfimacy among all forces
which seek to lift the plane and better
the conditions of human life 49,
4. We recognize the complex nature
Of Industrial obligations, affecting EN-
.plover and employee. society and gov
eminent, rich and poor and most
earnestly counsel tolerance, patience
and mutual confidence. We do not
defend or excuse wrongdoing in high
places or low, nor purpose to adapt
the ethical standards of the gospel to
the exigencies of commerce or the
confused Industrial system.
8. While we assert the natural right
Of men capitalists and Workingmen
alike--to organize for common ends,
we hold that the organization of cap
ital or the organization of labor can
not make wrong right or right wrong;
that essential righteousness is not de-
termined by numbers either of men or
dollars 81. e.
& 6. We regard with greatest salts
faction the efforts Of those employ
ers, individual and corporate, who
have shown in the conduct Of their
business a fraternal spirit and dis
position to deal justly and humanely,
with their employees as ITO wages,
prof1t-sharing, welfare work, protec-
ton against accidents, sanitary condi-
lions of toll and readiness to submit
differences to arbitration. We record
our admiration for such labor organi-
zations- as have through wise leader
ship throughout many years. by pa
tient cultivation of just feelings and
temperate views among. their mem
bers, raised the efficiency Of service,
set examples CT confidence and self
restraint in conference with the en-
ployers and promoted the welfare not
only Of the men Of their own craft,
but of the entire body Of workingmen.
Z. In such organizations Is the proof
IndI the luuQduSHldl purposes VI IuO
labor movement are ethical.
3. We note as omens of industrial
peace and good will the growth of the
spirit of Cancellation and CT the prac-
tice of conference and arbitration in
settling trade disputes. We trust pro-
foundly that these methods may sup
plant those of the strike and lockout
the boy colt and the black list. Law
1essness and violence On either side
CT labor controversies are an invasion
of the rights of the people and must
be condemned and resisted.
What the Church Stands For.
8. We deem It the duty Of all Chris
tian people to concern themselves di-
rectly with certain practical industrial
problems. To us it seems the church
must stand
For equal rights and complete JUS
tice for all men in all walks Of life.
For, the right Of all men to the OPP
portunity for self-maintenance. 4
against encroachments of
every kind. For the right Of workers
to some protection against hardships
Gitan resulting from the cWift crigc7