The Dayton forum. [volume] (Dayton, Ohio) 1913-1949, 1919-09-26

NEW IONh MI Il, GGpt. 1p.--A
call to the citizens of the United
Stetes to, act in conformity with the
high ideals ct demcc acy and OF
Christianity In the present condition
OF strained relations between the
racas has just been issued by the Fed
erel Council Of the Church of Christ
in America, acting N conjunction with
large representative committee Of
white and coIorsd citizens from all
sections of the county. Tbs com.
mittee met recently in New York City
on the call Of the secretary OF the
Home Missions Council and the chair
man of the Committee Of the Federal
Council on. Ntgro Churches. Much
time WIS given to full and free
discussion CT the racial situation. As
q result this address was issued which
represents the thought Of these lead
ers and the deliberative 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 ol
the Churches Of Jesus Christ to their
responsibility respecting an amicable
and fair adjustment Of race relations
in America.
In the fellowship of the Federal
Council of the Churches OF Christ i'm
America are included $685. 1852 mem
bers Of the Negro churches. In
speaking, therefore, at this time for
humanity and justice we voice the
mind and conscience of both races.
The present situation is challenge
TO the Churches charged with the pro-
motion OF the brotherhood Of man,
which look upon all men as entitled to
q footing of equality of opportunity
This calls for preaching the duty of
economic and community justice for
the Negro, thus securing peace and
good will between the races. Beyond
all else the present situation calls for
confession on the part of Christian
men and women Of failure to live UP
70 the standard Of universal brother
hood as taught By Jesus Christ.
We NUT face frankly the fact that
q most dangerous inter-raciai situa-
ton now threatens our country. The
problems growing out of the presence
OF two races in America are clearly
seen to be nationwide and the aa-
justments must necessarily be made
OH the basis of national responsibility.
The migration Of thousands of Me-
groes to the North emphasizes this
fact. The outbreaks in several cities
and the persistence of the anarchy
and treason CT Iynch-law i1nperiI our
democracy
We must c5nfess that the Church
and its ministry an related to the
welfare Of the Negro has been too
Little inspired by the fundamental
PRINCIPLES and ideals of Jesus Christ.
Communities that have expressed
horror over atrocities abroad, have
seen, almost unmoved and silent, men
beaten, hanged and also burned by the
mob.
A Constructive Program for just
Inter- Racial Relations
i. The Government, local, state
and national, should irnpartialiy guar
antee TO all classes security Of life
and Of property. Mob violence is be-
coming a crowd habit. When ! fe and
property are ruthlessly taken, when
men and women are lynched with no
protection from officers or courts, law
and order are trampled under foot.
We cali upoa the pulpit, the press and
all good people 20 create i public sem
timant that will support necessary
legislation fer the enforcement of ex-
isting laws, that life, liberty and the
pursuit Of happiness moy be equally
assured to ali classes.
2. The Negro should have economic
justice, equal opportunity to get and
hold work on the same terms as other
men, with equal pay for equal work,
and with fair working and living con-
ditions. The entrance of large num-
bers Of Negroes into the various in-
dugtvies emphasizes the necessity OF
an immediate aniicable adjustment OF
relations with white employers and
fellow workers.
3. We call upon men and women
everywhere to protect the sanctity OF
home and womanhood. We record
with satisfaction the growing enlist
eaaesas Of Negro leaders in progrsfsa