Evening star., 1942-12-19

adopted its strongest statement on
of the Axis powers as "anti- Christ
ian" and calling for a United Ma
tions victory.
ca. The Federal Council voted to
organize small, technical group of
specialists to watch all suggestions
and actions Of the Government in
matters of international signifi-
canoe, and to interpret Government
plans IN terms of Christian prin-
ciples.
90. The Federal Council of
Churches, the Foreign Missions
Conference of North America and
the Home Missions Council jointly
upheld Protestant activities in
Latin America, saying that the
principle of religious freedom is
involved. At the same time, the
Federal Council expressed its desire
and willingness to cooperate with
the Roman Catholic Church in pro-
noting the welfare of society, now
and in the postwar world.
"a, The Federal Council proposed
a plan for bringing supplies to the
people of conquered European ma
tions without giving vital aid to
their oppressors.' The plan in
wolves the purchase of supplies in
the United States, their transport
in neutral ships to neutral ports and
their transportation in sealed cars
to areas of want. Distribution would
be made under the supervision of
a competent and trustworthy inter-
national commission of neutral Red
Cross officials. The council also
created Committee on Relief and
Reconstruction designed to co-ordi-
nate the overseas program Of the
Protestant church forces of the
United States.
49, A plan to merge eight inter-
denominational bodies into a North
American Council was approved in
substance by the Federal Council
and the Home Missions Council, but
was received without recommended
| ton by the Foreign Missions Con-
| ference and the United Council of
/ Church Women.
go. The Federal Council added its
| protest to the worldwide church
outcry against the incredible cruel
ties" inflicted upon Jews in Nazi-
occupied countries and asked the
officers of the council to transmit
its action to Jewish leaders in per-
son. The United Council of Church
Women called upon woman men,
bers of churches to begin an "ag-
gressive crusade" against racial dis
! elimination.
Religious Liberty.
The issue of religious liberty was
one of the chief concerns of the
Protestant bodies 1t was the key
note of the presidential address OF
DR.. Luther A. Weigle, retiring head
of the Federal Council, and of the
statement which upheld Protestant
missions in Latin America.
The latter statement deplored the
"pretension of the Roman Catholic
hierarchy to circumscribe the re-
ligious freedom of Protestant
Christians" in South America. But
Immediately after adopting this
pronouncement the Federal Council
unanimously adopted another state
ment which registered the desire of
the council to cooperate with the
Roman Catholic Church in promot-
ing the welfare of society. The
resolution cited increasing evil
dences Of Protestant-Ca Catholic CO.
operation in Great Britain, the
United States, as we'll as in Nazi-
dominated countries.
Thus, while Protestant leaders ex-
pressed themselves vigorously on the
specific issue of religious liberty
they also went on record as welcom-
ing collaboration with Catholics in
mutual effort for the welfare of
society as a whole.
Strong War Stand.
! Reports and statements adopted
placed the major Protestant de-
nominations fully behind the war
effort. The Federal Council of
Churches responded to a widespread
demand that the Protes ia n
churches make some pronouncement
on the moral issues of the war. The
council adopted strong statement,
which declared that the Christian
church has a valid and inescapable
concern" in the war, the outcome
of which will "gravely affect the
future opportunity of Christians to
achieve social and political goals
IHk.:.A:~~ C-:.~>