The Detroit times., 1916-06-10
Religious Boards Com
\ bine to Further Chris
tan Education
|IJNION VIEWED
Y AS ACHIEVEMENT
Denominations Forget
Differences In Ma
ti0nal Campaign
~ the RELIGIOUS RAMBLER.


There IL now In session. at
Pa, an experiment by
~ foremost American religious de-
q nominations that marks an era In
thurch work, and for the first time
VnDualises q new, united movement
~ Christian leaders that Is directed
rward arousing the interest of the
whole nation. This is the exhibit
1900 conference of the Council OF
QAurch Boards of Education in the
#4Jhited States OF America The ses-
6anas began June s, and will con-
&tinus through June IL.
The meeting itself Is significant,
Ghriehy because II is the first pub
~ expression Of what promises TO
- ~ national movement OF great
nagnitude, having behind il the ma
EInlnery and resources and leader
kGolp Of IL Of the largest American
onofninations.
Among the bodies ofiicially CON-
Eymofted 70 the new undertaking. and
Ao1dlng membership in the council.
o1p the Baptsts, Congregationalists.
4 GAristians, Episcopalians, Friends,
1Gofhodists. North and South, Luth-
rrnua Of the General synod, General
council and United Synods bodies;
F. 4Sosbyterians, North. South and
kU0tted. and Dutch Reformed and
AZ ogman Reformed. Thus the coun-
&Se1 Includes the great bulk OF the
ESotestant church members OF the
9ouutry. The Rev. DR.. Henry NJ.
& sweets, of Louisville, is president
ok the council
n n . big cause that has led all
1nooe diverse denominations to for,
<Snnt their differences, and TO come
1oGo&hef for q concerted campaign.
That cause Is Christian education
10 put more Christianity into edu-
n 'Unt1on. and more education into
and TO stir up the
youth Of America TO greater in
1orsst In both, Is the program of
<heee allied educational boards.
FOR more than year the leaders
lave been working together on this
&c., The creation OF the council
B|oa itself an achievement. For II
Reans that on all matters OF educa.
kton, from the support OF denomina-
tional colleges and the religious
work In state universities. down TO
E1he teaching OF the Bible In the
public schools, the Protestan,
ohurches can speak with one voice
S:and that voice the clear. careful Ut
;84orAnce of educational experts. This
- not at all an agency for sectariar
clomCr upon any controverted ques
<1ons, but grave and comprehen
ntvU effort to face the Fundamental
ko6ucational problems OF the time.
This council Is In conferential re
0tions with the National Education
Al association. the Religious Educa
Sl1on association, the Association o
N American Colleges. the Carnegie
oundation. and other general edu
ootional groups. It's distinction Il
tAAt while the others are voluntar!
associations. II oficially represent
&he churches.
Tho rise of the great state uni
vorsities has created an entire new
1T Of questions for the church. A
1rsk the religious leaders in educa
tlon were inclined to be antagonis
tjc. feeling that their interests wer
eentireIy bound up with the demon
national colleges. They used 4
oueer At the goddess state col
)eGes." Now, however, the churche,
lave organized special activities foI
The students at the non-church col
q 1ogos. and the newer problem In {,
eliminate all waste and rivalry from
Va The church's work there. SUDDEN
Dostors, church houses. Bible study
Groups and similar methods are EN-
played This new council has solved
the danger of rivalry at these edu
enkional centers.
Once American colleges were or
tHYtA8 b0ur aVuitdafiOhps nON Nuf
Burning question" Is how to Civ,
soligion an adequate and vital plac,
- the curricula OF modern institu
Hons Of higher learning. This Il
oos Of the major themes TO which
Me council Is addressing itself.
hns found-for these educators ar
0nding out things about themselve
~ relentless scientific methods
hat not all the so-called "churcI
colleges" really teach religion o
he Bible m any serious fashion.
"a Even more delicate and Difficult
\ the task Of maintaining the edt
eational spirit IN the church. so tina
obe church may not become fossil
ND a. out Of step with the inte'
pe1aal march Of the times. To re
Nm. or regain. Christianity's PIT
oey In educational leadership is