The Waterbury Democrat., 1945-11-17
Church Canuass Idea GrolUs Rapidlyin c. s. Catholics, Protestants, Jews Cooperating
 In National Religious Emphasis Beginning
 Tomorrow

New York, N. Y, Nov. 17.-Inter- faith cooperation on practical community level, will begin tomor- row when in over l5O key cities Catholics, Protestants and Jews will cooperate in bringing to the atten- ton of the whole community the financial needs and postwar pro- grams of it's churches and syna- gogues.
 In each community general committee has been promoting the program as whole for several weeks. When the actual financial canvass is held, although done si- lnuitaneouSly, each local church will take it's own pledges. Outside of the, general promotional expenses, there will be no pooling of funds.
 The results of this cooperative eff fort, tried on an experimental basis during the past three years by the United Church Canvass committee, composed of national representatives of nineteen religious bodies. has not only increased contributions. but has contributed a better commun- ity spirit, good will, a large meas ule of brotherhood, greater church attendance, and more enthusiastic layman participation
 Many communities are holding the financial canvass on Sunday. December 2, the concluding date of the campaign.
 Growing Rapidly
 The united church canvass idea began about ten years ago in com munities like Newton Center, Miss, and Council Bluffs, Iowa. Denom- national leaders, seeing the value of united action, organized t he na- tional United Church Canvass three years ago to coordinate unified campaigns which, by th.s time, had developed in other cities.
 While the United Church Canvass is interfaith, the larger percentage Of the participating churches are Protestant. Jewish cooperation is on a national community level. Ro- man Catholic participation is on the local level only.
 The national organization receives no funds, but serves as a promo tional agent for the uinted canvass idea. It provides newspaper mats and copy, magazine articles, posters and methods folders. It enlists the support of radio stations, providing spot announcements. It also serves as clearing house for speakers and program The staff is composed of denominational leaders who serve entirely on voluntary basis. All promotional material is distributed at actual cost.
 Religious Cooperation Aim
 Chairman of the Sponsors Com mittee, composed of prominent lay and religious leaders. is Charles E. Wilson, president of the General Electric company. The Rev. Dr. A. D. Stauffacher, minister of the Missions Council of the Congrega- tional Christian Churches, is chair man of the Planning Committee. Stanley I. Stuber, national director of. public relations, Northern Baptist Convention, is acting as general di- rector of the movement.
 In communities where the fiscal years of the majority of the church. es do not permit entrance into the United Church Canvass this fall, another period will be held from them from February F to March To- l946.
 The ultimate aim of the United Church Canvass is to unify, into one period, all of the church and syna gogue financial appeals. It view of the huge postwar programs of the churches. it is felt, by those who head this movement, that much more can be accomplished by work ing together rather than separately By using modern techniques and methods developed by war fund drives, those sponsoring the United Church Canvass hope that it will be the means whereby churches and synagogues may receive ade- quate finapcial a to enable them to build effectively brotherhood, good will and lasting peace into the world.