Phoenix tribune., 1919-09-27

between the races has just been issued
by the federal council of the Churches
OF Christ in America, acting in con-
junction with a large representative
committee of white and colored citi-
zens from all sections of the country
This committee met recently in New
York city on the call of the secretary
OF the Home Missions Council and the
chairman of the Committee of the Fed
eral Council on Negro Churches. Much
time was given to a full and free dis
cussion of the racial situation. AS
result, this address was issued which
represents the thought of these lead
ers and the deliberatiye Judgment of
the Administrative Committee of the
Federal Council of the Churches of
Christ in America.
A Statement and Recommendation on
the Present Racial Crisis
The recent race conflicts in some
of our cities challenge the attention
OF the Churches of Christ to their re-
sponsibility respecting an amicable
and fair adjustment of race relations
i'll America.
In the fellowship of the Federal
Council of the Churches of Christ in
America are included 3,9S9,S52 mem
bers of the Negro churches. In speak.
ing, therefore, at this time for human
ity and justice we voice the mind and
conscience of both races. The pres.
ent situation is challenge to the
churches charged with the promotion
of the brotherhood of man, which look
upon all men as entitled to footing
OF equality of opportunity. This calls
for preaching the duty of economic
and community justice for the Negro
thus securing peace and goodwill be-
tween the races. Beyond all else the
present situation calls for confession
on the part of Christian men and wom-
en- of failure to live up to the stand
aid of universal brotherhood taught
by Jesus Christ
In the adjustment of race relations
our country has in this crisis not only
its own conscience to satisfy, but also
to justify itself as a nation before the
enlightened opinion of mankind. AS
a foremost exponent of the ideals of
democratic government, the United
States has been lifted to the full view
of the world. Our present settlement
therefore of race relations will influ-
ence in very large measure the set
tlement of race relations in other
parts of the world
We must face frankly the fact that
q most dangerous inter-racial situation
now threatens our country. The prob |
lens growing out of the presence of
two races in America are clearly seen
to be nationwide and the adjustments |
must necessarily be made on the basis |
Of national responsibility. The migra-
ton of thousands of Negroes to the /
North emphasizes this fact. The out
breaks in several cities and the per-
Sistence of the anarchy and treason
Of lynch-law imperil our democracy.
The actual practice of the principles
Of the brotherhood of Christ can pre-
vent such conflicts and nothing else
will. The church must offer the ideals,
the program and the leadership in this
crisis. The church must meet it's OBJ
legation, or leadership will pass not
only to secular, economic or social
stic, but to forces that are destruct-
We of civilization.
We must confess that the church
md its ministry as related to the well
are of the Negro has been too little
inspired by the fundamental princi-
lies and ideals of Jesus Christ. Com
that have expressed horror
,ver atrocities abroad, have seen, al
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