Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-06-14
BISHOP FREEMAN
F. SPEAKS IN LONDON
TELLS Notable Gathering Eng
disappearing Nations Should
Unite in Peace Move.
Dispatch to The Star.

Freeman, Bishop of Washington, told a
notable gathering in Canterbury Cathe-
dral here today at services in commemo-
ration of the eleventh century dedica-
ton of the edifice.
What this church may accomplish in
advancing the cause of peace, in repair
ing the breach" Bishop Freeman de-
clared, presents at once challenge
and an opportunity. The uniqueness OF
our position, he added. resides on the
one hand in our catholicity and on the
other in the commences Of our Ian
Ruage and our traditions.
THAT these afford us a position both
strategic and advantageous must be
readily conceded. We minister to the
world with background OF tradition
and practice that make us essentially
one in spirit and in purpose. Among
reflective men there can be but one
Judgment concerning the urgent and
imperative need of addressing ourselves
to that which is fundamental, not only
to the larger ministry of the church, but
to the conservation of world order and
peace, namely, the unity of Christen-
dom"
Mutual Trust Is Urged.
Bishop Freeman commended contro-
VERSES could not stay the course of the
advocates of peace, adding:
I'VE may not always see eye to eye In
customs and uSageS, temperamental diff
ferences and friendly rivalries in trade
and commerce may, at times, retard or
halt the purposes of our compact. A
marital tie is often strengthened by
kindly expressed disagreements, and
even acknowledged incompatibility OF
temper is an insufficient ground for
separation or divorce. The plea of blood
ties. together with likeness of tradition,
is a strong one, and where 1t is sup
ported by a common religious faith and
practice, it must prove of surprising
worth. This constitutes the sure ground
of our pledged faith, and insures our
guarantees against mishap or miscar-
riage
what we have thus far accomplished
must be sustained by mutual trust and
increasing good will. The pettiness of
things that are unworthy of us must
give place to the consideration OF those
concerns that are larger and more vital
and that command our common ads
herence and respect.
I'VE are entering upon an expert
nent of such far-reaching consequences
that nothing must jeopardize or impair
its designs. The implications of this
experiment are as important as its ex-
pressed agreements. 1t may be re-
garcied by the cynic and the ungenerous
critic as a fatuouS and futile endeavor
to curb certain inherent human in
stincts that have hitherto resisted
every effort of the reformer. We can
not and we do not believe 1t. We are
reminded that every worthy advance
that has been made mas been born in
the IMAGINATION of those who have
dared to follow the leading of great
vision. The race is not set forward by
the practical politician, or that form
of Diplomacy that works in secret or
dark places.
"One thing is universally true, name
", that the will of our age is the will
to peace and Great Britain and Amer
lea together, with consenting s1gnatory
powers, are determined to attain 1t.
They are determined to attain it even
though disappointments may attend the
early stages of their effort. They have
assumed responsibility the conse-
Quences of which they have duly
weighed, and they will not recede from
their position. Our compact may COM
pei us to be less proud of our prestige,
but that is of small consequence when
compared with the issues involved. 1t
may effect in us more Of the grace
of humility, it will certainly be fresh
demonstration to the world that we
are moved by high motives and Chris
tan ideals.
Neighbor1neSS Exhibited.
THE United States and Canada
have for a century or more proved the
value of a friendship that refuses to
be sustained by armed forces and that
exists through mutual understanding
and goodwill. This is an exhibition
of true neighborliness and conclusive
proof that, between friends, even legal
agreements are unnecessary to maintain
peace. We are bound to believe that
in the course we have pursued we are
following what is a well nigh universal
demand Behind the urge to peace re-
sides a growing and deepening Chris
tan conviction. The rivalries and
competitions of trade and commerce
and sometimes hatreds. It becomes
more and more evident that old meth
DDS of diplomacy affecting international
agreements have ceased to serve the
ends for which they were designed.
THE corrective of the evils that have
produced strife and conflict Is found in
the teachings of the Master of men.
The Christian church has believed this
but has not dared to practice and en-
force it. We believe the hour has
struck when she must take her posi-
ton and hold it with determination
against all adversaries. It is her priv
iege to build the old waste places, to
be a repairer of the breach, a maker
of paths for men to dwell in. With
discriminating Judgment and chastened
zeal she must press her claims. No
passive attitude will effect the ends
she seeks. Now is her opportunity, a
new fullneSs of time is at hand.
The world is waiting for leadership.
Shall We look for it only in the marts
of trade, the crowded avenues of COM
merce, or the halls of the legislation?
While we clearly recognize the legiti-
mate place of al these, we hold that it
is of the genius of the church to de-
Velop statesmen-prophets men who
have the knowledge and the will to
deal with the largest and deepest prob
lens Of life.
THE church in other ages has had
sons who have voiced her deep con-
victions and made her name a praise
in the earth. They have been militant
apostles whose authority as prophets
q God has been unchallenged. They
were the Watchmen on the walls of
Zion. May we not believe that in this
respect history Is to repeat itself?
What filter place than old Canter-
bury, with its blessed and hallowed
memories, in which TO pledge our in
creaSing devotion to those ideals that
are SO vitality bound up with the worlds
happiness? What filter trysting place
than this in which to renew our
solemn vows and to highly resolv God
helping us, that what we have I'm Ter
taken to do we shall fulfill even unto
the end. We have pledged our troth,
each to the other. and we shall keep
1t. Those whom God has joined to-
gether let no man or nation put