The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1933-11-18
CHURCHES AND NEW DEAL

THERE is much gratifying evidence that the
Il Christian churches are bestowing more
attention upon the life Of man here on earth.
The injustices, barbarities and expressions of
old-line capitalism have aroused Christian
leaders to active protest The Catholics were
recently in session On matters of charity and
social work in New York City. They uttered
numerous and cogent warnings that capitalism
must adjust itself to decency and fair dealing
and outlined what they believed to be the
essentials of program of social justice.
Now the most powerful organization of
Professionals the Federal Council of Churches,
has issued through it's president, DR.. Albert
w. Beaver, "a hearty commentator of the ma
tionaI recovery program.
According to this statement, the govern
ment now is endeavoring to establish, on
grounds of economic stability and progress, the
principle of a wider spread of purchasing
power which the churches have been advocat-
ing on spiritual and humanitarian grounds.
The manifesto of the federal council
singles out a number of the leading features
of the recovery program which particularly
elicit its enthusiasm.
First it congratulates the administration
for its abolition of child labor:
Nothing is more contrary to the social
ideals of Christianity than child labor We
are witnessing a reinforcement of the hui
manitarian crusade against this evil by en-
Hghtened business Judgment and practical
craftsmanship. The abolition of child labor
one of the articles of our social ideaIs-is i'm
plicit in the recovery program and explicit in
some of the codes already approved"
Next, it heartily approves the long-fought-
for right of labor to organize and carry on
collective bargaining:
In our social ideals we have, from the be-
ginning, asserted the right of both employers
and workers to organize. We, therefore most
heartily approve the effort of the national
government to give new charter to labor,
guaranteeing the principle for which we have
thus long contended-the right of workers to
organize and bargain collectively through
representatives of their own choosing"
Passing from specific achievements to
general principles the council praises the
W 4dAoC VIlS Cl114CS VI
above that of black-;acking and the gambling
casino:
I'm the large, the recovery program calls
for new kind of ethical functioning on the
part Of various groups in the economic order. 1t
calls upon business and industrial units to
formulate codes of practice and to become re-
Sponsible for their operation under public
sanction and supervision. This involves the
discovery of common interests among economic
groups and the adoption of cooperative
methods"
Much cause for qualification also is found
in the proclivity of the recovery program to
sanction free experimentation and bold ex-
ploration as well as to build a more co-opera-
tive commonwealth:
throughout the recovery program and the
utterances of its sponsors runs a note of ex-
Fermentation, Of exploration in new political
and economic fields 1t is not to be supposed
that flawless program could be DEVELOPED
quickly in time Of great stress and anxiety.
But, whatever its inevitable weaknesses
the national recovery program implies the
practicability of more cooperative economic
order, socially controlled for the common
good, and willingness to relinquish special
privileges and power. We urge our people to
give full recognition to the social and spiritual
implications of the national recovery program
and to cooperate in the attainment of the
high ends toward which it is directed"
This ringing defense Of the recovery pro-
gram by the churches is commemorate, but it
carries with it the same practical response
oihties as are involved in the execution of the
recovery act itself. The council will need to
stand solidly behind individual ministers who
have the courage TO repeat these sentiments
before congregations whose most powerful
members may be doing their best to chisel
around or defeat the recovery program.