The Washington herald., 1915-01-10
Ar0uSing the Church
To the Demands of War

more important, such as missions, the
temperance reform, woman suffrage, the
anti-tuberculosis campaign. abolition of
child labor justice to working men, home
charities, church support, evangelism.
This. he says. is perhaps the cTowning
iniquity of great wars-they drive all
other good causes to the wall.
Rev. Charles 5. Macfarland, secretary
Of the Federal Council of the Churches
Of Christ in America, thus reviews the
effect of the war and the outlook for
1915
The sad breakdown of Christian prin-
ciples in Europe. as shown by war, had
a profound effect upon Christianity in
America. and is certain to influence II in
future. To churches in America tho war
gave vision of the immense work on hand
TO do Everybody now sees the necessity
for A reconstruction of the application
Of Christian principles to everyday life
personal and rational. The new plans
must bc world wide. and not be limited
by national boundaries.
In california the closing months Of
the year saw a better spirit toward peace
relations with peoples of the far East.
Tho advance made during the year in
christian odUCatiun was significant.
There is an awakening in favor OF So
CaI work. The effect upon people of
America who do not belong to and do not
hfD support tn" churches Of America
has been tremendous. Never did churches
stand higher in public confidence and
Cl'r year III, will sec them rCapinE some
UG th. advantages from such standing.
I'copc are thinking as they did not
think a year ago. Get men and women
to think and much has ben accom-
piishcd. The year 1914 has been one OF
the most remarkable in the worlds his
tory. Tie YEAR 1915 is in my judgment,
10 continue this remarkable pace
Dr Henri Auct. for many years Chris
tian leader in Belgium, has just sent to
America 10y way Of London some aC-
count of present religious conditions OBJ
tanning in his suffering country He
states that never were churches, Protes-
taut and Catholic. attended as they are
nov. Even in MaIincs and I.ouvain,
which suffered worst. temporary places
Of meeting and worship have been pro-
TIdrl. Churches are madC distributing
points Tor food in many cases. and also
Tor gatherings to make fuel answer to
keep many warm.
Ia the vast majority Of cases. according
/" I,r. Auet. clergy have gone to the
l.un!. Without tNcw the I"uplC are hold
Ii= uarl"r Tralcr meetings lie declares
there is Ito thought that christianity has
failed bccaUse Belgium is invaded. Many
incidents have occurred that got Bel
Eiau conversations into trouble with
German authorities. ut ChaTleroi Ger
man chaplain was killed while talking
with Il EolCian missionary. The latter
wa held responsible for the death and
kept - Hostage. Vigorous measures
w""o taken t" md out who fired the
shell.
Erv. Ur. Fra"cis Z. Clark. founder and
leader Of Christian Endeavor. has written
an appeal which has been printed in the
Christian Endeavor papers OF Europe and
dely distributed to all Christian En-
dravor unions. including those in Great
Britain. Germany. France, Spain. Hun
gary. Norway, Italy, Finland, Russia,
Poland and the Baltic states.
As president of the Worlds Christian
EndeavOr Union I appeal TO the En-
deavorers of the world in this crisis of
the worlds history to work and pray not
only for peace. but for the Christian fell
lOwshiE on which alone a lasting peace
can hC built.
For a time the outward forms Of our
Worldwide fellowship may be shattered
ny the war. We may not. for a little
lee permitted to meet in International
gatherings or through the mails exchange
the same frttcrnal greetings as in the
past but VIC can cherish respect and
affection for each other. even though
many Of our number are fighting on op-
pOSitn sides and in every army and navy
let us remember that our fellow En-
il avorrrs in every land are conscientious
and patriotic Christians and. even though
We may think them mistaken, are fight
ing in what they hslieve is a righteous
cause. Let us who belong to the neutral
nations avoid harsh judgments, and thus.
with maliCa toward none and with
charity toward all We shall he better
able when this cruel conflict is over to
extend the hand OF sympathy and fellow
ship to Endcayorers in all the nations
row at war
'Dn what other organization is the ohli-
gatiuu to promote Fellowship and good
will more heavily laid? What society in
all the world has 4 greater opportunity
OF privilege in this respect? Our members
are numbered by millions. They are
found in every land. They are followers
of the Prince OF Peace. They are united
by many ties OF mutual interest. by
common name. common methods OF
Christian service. and. above all, in
prayer and communion with the one
Father.
However deep the wounds Of war,
Christian fellowship can heal them. for
there are no personal cnmities between
US. \ resumption of Christian EndcavOr
fellowship when thr war is over is our
bounden duty. II IS not impossible, as