The potters herald. [volume] (East Liverpool, Ohio) 1899-1982, 1948-10-21
Leadership: Worlds Need

There exists in all Western countries tension that has
been steadily growing since the end OF the military con1c
World War H. The tension has grown out OF violation OF
the most basic principles ofthe democratic way OF me-
We naturally expected something in the of carfica
ton of principles from the recent gathering OF the Word
Council of Churches in Amsterdam representing 100 Pro-
testant denominations This meeting we was TO
strengthen world spiritual fraternity we were shocked oy
a statement from the conference declaring:
The Christian Church should reject the ldeologles OF
both communism and capitalism which seek to draw men
from the false assumption that these extremes are the
only alternatives"
The insertion of '1aissezfare," in revised statement
to qualify Capitalism did make the amazing declaration
acceptable 1t incredible that leaders any important field
should realize that the principle which distinguishes
democracy from communism is the recognition of the per-
sona dignity of each individual giving him basic rights and
acknowledging his right to make decisions winch aect MS
life Communism like all other authoritarian forms OF gov
enmen rejects this spiritual concept OF man. subordnaes
the individual to the state and assures hm no spec
Supreme in control individuals communism repudlaes
moral standards which limit this control.
The exhoration quoted above provides no moral gude
to what important living how to live security eX-
ecsng basic rights that necessary for dignity IN living
and assuming responsibility for the consequences OF our de-
csons Such ideal grows out OF authoritarian govern
ment untrammeled by law.
Our democracy puts it's main dependence the ability
of society to afford citizens satisfactory OF te
For material needs looks to free enterprise which provides
listing niustces through collective bargaining better trade
practices and administrative and legislative controls
We do not question the right of other people to expert
men with state operation of their production facilities How
ever deny the right of the Sovets to force communism
on others conspraora fifth columns to undermine
the purposes OF majority pdII, we we
may confidently continue to look for higher standards of
living through free enterprise sustained by other free ns
tutons Any system must be judged by its results and It's
impact people, Our system has given us the highest out
put per of work and think affords the greatest
portuny for workers participation in problems of work
well in benefits flowing theretrom individuals develop as
they utilize opportunities to participate While we make mis-
takes we free to correct them.
BY linking capitalism with communism for unqualified
repudaon the statement of the World Council of Churches
dsregars moral standards which discriminate between the
totaltarian and democratic way Of life.
We trao he of
with governments that espouse subversive philosophy 1t
therefore most surprising to find religious leaders, at this
late hour compromising and missing opportunity to point
the way achieving the ideals which underie fellowship
between men and nations