Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1920-10-26
INSIST
ON MORE FREEDOM
FOR MISSIONARIES
Use CIoture in Adopting Plea
for Removal of Wartime
Restrictions.


fore a vote could be had on the resolu-
tion OF the board of foreign mission
aries asking governments to remove or
modify wartime restrictions on mis-
sionaries. The resolution was adopted
by large majority.
The chief objection of opponents was
that this was not IAN opportune time"
for the adoption of such a resolution.
Some of the delegates held that the
Statement of principle" attached to the
resolution contained an implied criti-
cism of governments which imposed
wartime restrictions on missionaries but
an effort to strike out the statement
met with overwhelming defeat.
While no government was named
specifically in the resolution, the British
government was mentioned frequently
in the debate which preceded the vote.
Statement Of Principles.
The statement of principles and
| resolutions as adopted follow:
THE principle of religious liberty
has slowly gained ground, and is now
recognized by all governments in
peace treaties and international ar
fairs.
| truth is a corollary of religious lib
erty. 1t is as inalienable as is the
right of civil liberty.
The exercise of the rights of
conscience cannot be annulled unless
it becomes subversive of good morals
and public order. Only when it can
be clearly shown that such exercise
interferes with the rights of others
and results in disorder may govern
ments Interfere.
When properly taught and ex-
emplified the Christian religion has
ever promoted law and order, advanc-
ing civilization and strengthening
good government.
Urged on All Governments.
I'm view of the foregoing. the fol-
| lowing should be urged on all gov
ernments:
christianity imposes upon its fol-
lowers the definite obligations to
preach its truth among all nations and
to all men.
Though the church may submit
to the restrictions of governments in
propagating the Christian faith when
in some great crisis 1t can be shown
that governments are hindered and
disorders arise through it's preaching,
it should be recognized that in the end
nothing can prevent the proclama-
tion of the gospel.
Christian rulers most grievously
err when they try to prevent the
establishment of Christ's kingdom. for
HHoSC SAINT oil governments 04tBt
through the divine will. Christ must
reign till the kingdoms of this world
become the Kingdoms Of the Lord.
When government restrictions con-
travene the obligation to preach the
gospel Christians should urgently ap-
peal for the removal or mitigation of
all these restrictions, using all legiti-
mate influences to this end in obedi-
ence to the will of Jesus Christ.
Ask Removal of Restrictions.
LAS the world war has temporarily
interfered with the proclamation of
the gospel and wartime restrictions
still remain in force, we, the United
Lutheran Church in America, joining
with Christians of all lands. make the
earnest appeal that existing restrict
ions be modified or removed as soon
as possible and that the liberty to
preach the gospel everywhere be re-
stored to all Christians"
1t was stated on the floor of the
convention that it was the intention
to send these resolutions to the head
quarters of the international Foreign
Missionary Organization in England,
where they will be laid before the au-
therities of the various countries.
Discussion of Topic.
II wish to ask" said Rev. Paul w.
Roth of Milwaukee. whether we are
ism or just plain Christianity. When
missionaries are willing to die vio-
lent death on foreign fields we who
sit at home in comfort must not re-
fuse to confess our Christian princi-
pies. whether it is convenient time
or. not"
DR.. ]. S. Benze of Philadelphia told
the convention. I'VE have found the
British government always ready to
protect it's missionaries in time Of
war" One delegate declared to the
convention that in times of war gov
were confronted by the question Of
self-preservaticn and everything etss
had to be subordinatcd to that
Favor World CoEfeyenee
The convention Endorsed proposal
for a worldwide conference Of Ln-
therans and empowered its executivs
board to fix the date for such a con-
sress. The meeting Is expected TO
Ee held in the United States. Il also
instructed the West Indies E;seion
board to continue its laDcrs r. behalf
OF the negroes aud requessed them
to make survey OF the whole hesd
of American negroes.
Distinguished chapla;Es both CT the
Army and Navy. addressed the con-
vsnticn at the opening OF this after
Moons session Chaplain Frazer. U.
.. ~
in charge cf recruiting csaplaina for
the Navy, spoke on "The Need of
Chaplains for the Navy" Col A. T.
Claxton, head chaplain Of the Army.
and Chaplain Emil Weber. U. s A..
who discussed Education in the
Army" were among the speakers. The
rest Of the afternoon meeting VIII be
devoted to continuation of the
morning program and to deferred
business.
Addresses This Evening.
Five addresses dealing with the IA
rjous aspects Of the church congreea.
ton are scheduled at tonighrs meet
ing. The subjects and speakers are a.
follows: Tho Congregations Mis-
sionary or Evangelistic Life" Rev
W. C. Schaeffer. jr.; The Congresa-
tons Educational Life" Rev. Dr. J.
work of Mercy Rev. DIR. w. 81. Field
mann; "The Congregation and tho
Community" Rev. Paul E. Scherer.
and The Congregation and Steward
ship" Rev. DR.. s. w. Herman
1t was brought out yesterday after
noon that the increase in appropria-
tions made by the convention has
soc. .00e, which. the treasurer said.
Vas an increase Of between % and -
uer cent over two years ago.
Increased pensions for retired min
fsters was recommended in the re"
mort Of the board Of ministerial re-
hef An appropriation of $2G0.ooo
was asked for neSt ycar ard the es
tat,ishment Of - pension sund of y"
600 Gee was Recommended. On August
Inc report said. tI0.700 was pail
out to ministers. widows lad .i.!d:e:-
M,.. .,,an sTncJc1 xas sopropTt!t