The Tacoma times. [volume] (Tacoma, Wash.) 1903-1949, 1942-01-01

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estant and Catholic, have reacted
to the totslitsrian drive by fur
nishins the only organized protest
against its humanities. The Ger
man Catholic bishops, in their an
nual meeting at Fulda. asserted
their loyalty 10 the government.
but declared that the very exi--
enee OF Christianity is at stake
because OF Nazi policies toward
the church.
Norway's Lutheran bishops have
repeatedly protested Nazi misrule
and defied Quisling. Dutch and
French Professionals have protested
against the treatment Of Jews in
their respective countries.
The Vatican, while refusing
to he moved from Its position
of neutrality, has made clear
it's disapproval Of Mani policies
toward both the Jews and the
churches. Protestant laymen
are reported 10 be carrying on
religious work in many dis
tricts in Germany and occu-
pied France where churches
are closed or ministers are
lacking.
Foreign Missions
Among the problems Of foreign
missions. the most serious contin-
ues TO be that OF the orphaned
missions hitherto supported BY
the churches of Germany. France.
Denmark, Holland. Belgium and
Finland. now cut off from their
sources of supply.
The spread of war In the
Orient and the Pacific con-
fronts the missionary work
of the American churches with
the most serious situation
since the Boxer uprising OF
1900. Missionary officials ex-
pect that the work in MANY
areas will be forced TO stop
due TO the likely internment
of missionaries in Japan and
In the countries Japan has oc-
cupied. q,
The Church of Christ in Japan.
including all Protestant bodies ex-
cept Episcopalians and Seventh
Day Adventists, was inaugurated
in June. This movement has deep
roots in the desire of Japanese
Christians for united church. but
1t is futile TO deny the part PLAYED
by governmental pressure in bring
ing II about or to claim that the
result is an "unshackled church"
An important factor is the desire
to detach japanese Christians from
foreign influence and to eliminate
foreign personnel and financial
support. Most of the missionaries
have been withdrawn by their
boards. Some boards left with
drawal optional for the mission
aries.
World Council Gains
II the ecumenical movement had
only held its own during the year.
It would perhaps have been all that
could be expected. but II has
gained ground. A. the beginning
Of the year, 90 communions
throughout the world. including
almost all the American denomi-
nations, had given their adherence
to the World Council Of Churches.
The Federal Council Of the
Churches Of Christ in America be-
comes more and more the united
voice Of Professionalism. so far as
such thing is possible During
the year it was strengthened by
adding TO its membership the Prot
estant Episcopal church, the
Church of the Brethren. and the
Presbyterian church in the United
States (southernl.
There were no denominational
unions in 1871. The recently unit
ed Methodist church made prog
ress in uniting its agencies, merg-
ing two great publishing houses.
and merging three boards OF edu-
cation into one. On the Episcopal
Presbyterian concordat there Is no
progress 10 report.
The Lutheran groups are
drawing closer TO each other.
Baptists and Disciples continue
TO cultivate closer aequaint-
ancs without pressing toward
an immediate merger. They
are publishing a joint hymnal.
Proposals have been made
looking toward a United Free
Church In England, 10 include
Congregationalists. Metho-
dists, Presbyterians and BAp-
lists. The united church of
South India has encountered
difficulties. chiefly on the
matter Of ordination.
Cooperative Enterprises
Conspicuous among the coopers-
tive enterprises Of America
churches was the National Chris
tan Mission. which. under the
Federal Council department Of
evangelism. visited y cities. he'd
e150 meetings, and added $1,000
new members 70 churches The
par vii be repeated in 1912. from
January 20 Easter
The international Council q Re-
hEious Education mas enllste5 edu-
catLn-al l.arer. 81 % rerrrlna-