The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1913-02-05
ACTION OF BOARD
HIGHLY ENDORSED
METHODIST mrrIsrEHs MEET AND
ComMEND REApING OFF RIBLE
TN THE SCHOOLS.
no PREACH SERMONS
SUBJECT rs ALREADY ONE OF
WIDE DIsCUssIoN AND BOTH
PROTESTS AND C0MMENbA-
Z TIoNs HAVE sEEN HEARD.

At a meeting OF the ministers Of
the Methodist Episcopal Church.
South. OF Richmond heid on Monday,
a resolution heartily commencing the
action OF the school board in estab-
fishing the reading Of the Bible in the
city public schools was passed.
The ministers OF the Methodist
Church are very much In akrnest in
their commendation OF the action of
the board and will do all In their
power to offset the protests, Of other
religious bodies that have already
been made and which are contem-
plated. The action Of the board has
aroused considerable interest through
out the city and has been much dis
cussed.
Sermons on subject.
Already there have been several
sermons preached on the subject. the
first being in the nature of protest
by Rev. DR.. Cafish. rabbi of Beth
Ahaba synagogue. which is probably
the largest and most influential Jew
ish congregation in the State and
probably in the South.
Following this sermon by DIR. CAL
ish, DIR. Maclachlan, OF the Seventh
Street Christian church. preached
upon the subject last Sunday night,
commencing the action. of the school
board. It Is understood that follow
ing the action OF the. Methodist min
listers Of Monday morning, many OF
them will preach on the subject next
Sunday.
The Resolution.
Following is the resolution adopted
by the Methodist ministers:
As the ministers of the Methodist
Episcopal Church, South. representing
membership in this city OF more
than ten thousand, and an consistency
of many more, we desire TO express
our belief in one OF the fundamental
doctrines OF this nation. religious lib
erty. and to state that we would not
therefore force our religious beliefs
upon any person or class of persons;
we also believe that mo free gov
eminent. or the blessing of liberty can
be preserved to any people, but by q
firm adherence to justice. moderation.
temperance. frugality and virtue" and
that .it Is the mutual duty OF all TO
pratice Christian forbearance, love
and charity towards each other" and
believing. furthermore. that besides
its value as religious book the Bible,
more than any other, book In exist
ence teaches these cardinal virtues
and that II would be blessing to our
State and nation IL every one learned
these virtues As set forth In theEreat-
est book OF ethics, though all might
not accept the religious doctrines, and
feeling assured that the real power
which has made our State and nation
what 1t In today ID the influence Of the
Bible, we therefore
Commend the action Of the city
school board In requesting that the
Bible be read in all the public schools
Of the city. and to- state To them that
we believe that their actian instead 81
being the warm feeling OF sectarian
prejudice IL rather spirit OF patriot
IGN that would gladly develop In ev-
cry child In the school. regardless OF
religious tenets held by him. a high
and honorable citizen a credit to his
home and an honor to his State.
EARNEST STEVENS.
President.
r. NJ. WHITE,
Secretary