The Waterbury Democrat., 1945-03-13

"The Christian churches of Amer lea must become more community minded-not only with the thought of giving greater Christian service to the community but of affording an opportunity for more Christian people within the community to serve others" said pr. Leslie Bates Moss today, speaking to members of the Church Committee on Over seas Relief and Reconstruction, of which he Is the executive director. at the headquarters of tho Federal Council of the Churches of Christ in America, 297 Fourth Avenue, New York City.
 Dr. Moss pointed out that on any questionnaire of census aobut 46 per cent of the American people declar- ed themselves as Christian" Ap- proximately 30 per cent say they are Protestant" But only a portion of this number will be found in church at eleven o'clock Sunday morning. The reasons they arc not there are many and various. Many who do not 90 to church at least not regularly-live exemplary humani- tarian lives, but they seem to ex- pect to live, 50 to speak, on religious capital. Recent world events and personal experiences are causing them to yearn for the strength that comes from the fellowship of like thinking people. They are becoming more conscious of the Church as an institution which has endured through the centuries, while en- pires rose and fell. The local church should afford these people an in- strumentality through which they can associate themselves in a Satis- flying and useful manner with Christians around the world It should not limit such participation to It's members alone, especially in these days of difficult transporta- ton, swing" and graveyard" schedules. many babies. and gen. erally disrupted family life.
 Many churches in America have offered their people all kinds of social programs" said Dr. Moss. Some of these have been purely and frankly recreational; others, such aS the scout troops established in many churches, have had a com munity service aspect. In view of the seriousness of our times, and recognizing the new concept of worldwide community, believe the churches should offer not only their own members, but acknowledged Christians in the community, the opportunity to have a part in re- establishing the work of the church around the world. Church and mis- sion work have suffered grievously under the present conflict. Chris tians in other countries have been terribly persecuted for their religious convictions. Many pastors have been interned. congregations are scattered, churches and church schools, orphanages and hospitals bombed. Churches of occupied Eu- rope and of Germany have been unable to send funds for the upkeep of their missions and missionaries and this Christian obligation has been temporarily assumed for them by American Christians and those of England. Switzerland and Aus tralia. etc."
 To illustrate his point Christians outside the church should be given a challenge to afiiliate themselves through service with tine world- | wide Christian community. pr. Moss | cited the case of the service men stationed at New Caledonia. who be- came SO enthusiastic over the work | Of the missionaries and the native Christian leaders of that island | that they collected funds for a new | and beautifully equipped church and parish house, and even helped to