The Detroit times., 1916-02-12
Reactionary Tendency
Held Result of
Money
,CONFEREES IN
SHARP CHARGE
Two Groups in New
3 York Take Radical
Stand
- rHe RELIGIOUS RAMBLER.

II ~ THE RELIGIOUS RAMBLER.
Although not line has as yet
z*Hocn printed about them, there have
|'1oceutly been held in New York
Pitvo conferences of national leaders
y - social service, which we're more
53ndical and portentous than any
(1ing that has definitely been on the
'3ulig1ou1 horizon in recent years
4 - word, there is a strong group
~ men. representing many denom'
l1ntioos, who are determined that
B ~ social program of the church,
( uhlch was loudly heralded half a
ooon years ago, shall be put
Sough In spite OF present ecclesi-
Il Hnotjcal tendencies
n II openly charged that religi-
- bodies have become reactionary
n ~ part from fear of loss of reve-
N01e. The Federal Council or
!. fhurches Of Christ in America was
Soo1y criticised for It's alleged fail
Ee 70 live up to its own social
4 1eoGrAm.
While am not at liberty to name
~ participants OF these two con-
Il 4oPonces. ] can testify that they
voRe not irresponsible zealots. but
\ rDon Of strength ard proved leader
E4p; many Of them holding high
x2GultiO0s IN denominational and
14er religious organizations. When
koor purposes mature In action. the
4 11noe win appear.
Z The nrst conference. which met
~ the end OF December. was at.
n1ed BY rs men. At that time a
II nu1ktee Of NE well known men
{lno appcinted to report back to an
(Aor meeting held few days ago
&och was attended by 80 men. The
S 1ooofe IN both gatherings was Wig.
rono and candid, and there was by
n ~ means unanimous agreement
y nDoa the points up for considera.
4 3<oon. Now another conference Is to
v ~ ho1d shortly to proceed with the
naisation Of . new national body
o1Ded TO put through the social
C6rv1pe platform adopted seven
oors aso BY the Federal Council
Z chnrches.
~ platform declared .the
nSqhes must stand for equal rights
III eompIete justice for all men in
= ntati0ns In hfe; for the right OF
~ men TO the opportunity OF self.
'1oontensncc: for the right of work
srkp 70 some protection against the
gooaips often resulting from the
9W1k crises OF industrial change;
~ the protection of the worker
f1pm dangerous machinery. occupa-
- dtsease. injuries and mortal
ft fDr ths abolition of child labor:
~ the suppression of the sweating
yteu1: for the release from EN-.
qymamt one day in seven; for a
lV)4g wage as a minimum in every
ootry: for the .tghest wage that
n industry can afford; for the
oDt equitable division of the pro
~ ~ industry that can be ultl-
( kely devised: for the abatement
poverty."
x6o preliminary proposal for a
& po(gn Of social service, which
Z dpanied the invitation to the
1erence. quoted Bishop williams
n - Protestant Episcopal church.
Gnyius:
Il11l950n today is vitality con-
4 - with the fundamental ques-
y of social righteousness, indus
- equity. political and CONNER
honesty and honor and eco
4lc justice. Great movements.
otjally religious, for the estab
9ent Of these ends are sweeping
u "a the land. But the church, as
eclesiastical body. Is out of
with these movements. She
~ tlmidly upon such matters.
& all"
4 = document went on to say:
& nere can be no question as to
her the gospel OF Jesus is big
0yh to meet the present-day So
Y and religious situation. The
q question II, Ia the church big
y - 70 apply ST."
oady In this country there are
1Dfty million persons who are
oot nomtnally connected with
Eotestant church. These have