Evening star., 1938-05-24
TRIO Of FAITHS
UNITE TO PLEAD
RELIGIONS CAUSE
Catholic, Protestant, Jewish
Clergy Call for Belief
in Fundamentals.
$50 PERSONS ATTEND
MASS MEETING HERE
Session Hears Message From
Roosevelt-Panel Discussion
Follows Addresses.

A united plea to preserve the
fundamentals of religion, regardless
of separate faiths, was voiced by rep
resentatives OF the Roman Catholic,
Protestant and Jewish churches at a
mass meeting last night under the
auspices of the Committee on Reli.
gious Life in the Nations Capital.
Approaching "The Nations Need Of
Religion" from different angles, the
Rev. John K. Cartwright, pastor Of
the Church of the Immaculate Con-
ception; the Rev. DR.. Albert Joseph
Mccartney. pastor of the Covenant
First Presbyterian Church, and Rabbi
Abram Simon of the Washington He
brew Congregation urged the $50
people present in the United States
Chamber of Commerce auditorium
and radio listeners to the broadcast
addresses to maintain their reverence
for religion in the face of forces that
undermine spiritual principles.
Science Attacked.
Father Cartwright, regarding as
common heritage" the Ten Com
mandments, the recognition of the
existence of one God and the aware
ness of the radical difference between
men and beasts. launched an attack
upon scientists who tend to destroy
these principles"
by however great a scientist the
idea that men are only animals is
presented" Father Cartwright de-
clared, 'it is not scientific finding.
The scientist may teach us in his
own legitimate sphere, but when he
denies the superiority Of mans essen
tial nature to that of the brute. he
is telling US something that no scien-
tific experiment has taught him"
Warning that such suggestions
break down children's reverence and
belief in moderation, self-control and
decency. he said. 1T is only step
from children being taught that men
are beasts to being taught there is
no God, as children learn in Mexico"
A relation between the movement
toward social justice and religion was
emphasized by DR.. Simon, who de-
clared, THE dividing line between the
secular and the sacred is fading away"
Asserting that social revolution is
sweeping business along in mighty
ethical swirls," he said. THE wage
Garner is no longer tool or hand.
Raw material has been given a soul
Prices are read in terms of personality
and whatever concerns personality
raises a problem in morals. Legisla-
ton has given us new keywords.
Conscience insists on being an eco
nomic umpire"
Sees Pulpit Embattled.
In answer to a question on why
religion is not strong enough to keep
the world out of war, Dr. Simon de-
clared, Don't forget that the real
men who are fighting Naziism, Com
munism and Fascism are ministers. !"
The appalling growth of secularism
and the shameless growth of sensual
ism" were cited by DR.. Mccartney as
the causes for "a common and deep
dIlhlcLy 1OI OuI COulllly.
Tracing the revival Of religion al
various times of spiritual neglect and
infldelity to religious principles, DR.
Mccartney declared, THE Lords arm
is not shortened today"
He suggested that people "cleaI
away the mutual prejudices, misun.
derstandings and suspicious that
handicap our common appeal to the
religious instinct of mankind" add
ing, I'VE can do this without sur
rendering the cherished convictions Of
any one group"
Roosevelt Letter Read.
Canon Anson Phelps Stokes of the
Washington Cathedral, secretary OF
the committee, read a letter from
President Roosevelt in which he
praised the ideal Of the group.
II am glad to learn that the Com.
mittee on Religious Life in the Ma
tion's Capital Is unwearied in its worh
to promote good will among all Of ouI
citizens" the message stated. IT
gives me great pleasure to wish God
speed to your labors."
A panel discussion, with question.
furnished by the audience, followed
the talks. Such questions as why dc
you find more pagan than Christian
symbols on Government buildings?'
Why is it so hard to interest people
in the church?", What can the aver
age citizen do to discourage sensual.
ties in movies, radio, etc. ?" and What
must a Christian do when the preach.
er is too busy to give spiritual advice?"
were answered by the clergymen.
The Rev. Robert w. Brooks. pastor
Of the Lincoln Congregational Temple
read the scriptures preceding the radio
talks. Canon Stokes presided at the
meeting and DR.. w. L. Darby, execu-
tive secretary of the Washington Fed.
Grafton OF Churches, pronounced the
benediction.