Evening star., 1951-04-29

Oy SoSP'
A far-reaching statement Of
principle whereby Protestant
church agencies might accept Gov
ernment aid to forward programs
in underdeveloped areas was enun-
ciated by leading churchmen last
week.
The pronouncement was made
by top church leaders following q
three-day meeting at Buck Hill
Falls, Pa, on the church's re-
lation to the Governments point
four program of aid to needy peo-
Piles overseas. The conference was
sponsored by the Department OF
International Justice and the Di-
vision Of Foreign Missions Of the
National Council of Churches. The
Right Rev. william Scarlett, Epis-
copal Bishop Of Missouri, was
chairman.
Heart Of the report was en-
bodied In the following state
mentS:
I'VE believe that church agen-
cies should not accept money, or
its material equivalent. from Gov
ernment under conditions that
would tend to jeopardize the in
dependence of the church in the
determination Of its own policies
and witness.
Financial aid for limited, sup
Elementary and well-defined prof.
ects for social welfare may be ac-
cepted if the above principle is not
violated.
1T is especially important to
guarantee independent manage
ment and autonomy in the selec-
tion and direction Of its own
personnel by the Christian agency.
We disapprove Of enterprises
Jointly operated by Christian
agencies and Government"
Eight Enterprises
The report then listed eight
enterprises it considered "espe-
cially suited" for collaboration
with Government:
/. Special aid. locally admin
istered, to schools. hospitals, agri-
cultural or community centers in
training technical personnel.
2. Scholarships for young people
training in Christian schools and
agencies.
8. Subsidy to extension pro-
grams Of various types.
4. Aid in production of manuals,
posters, charts and pamphlets for
community betterment programs.
5. Provide equipment for health
and science work in school courses,
agricultural stations and welfare
programs.
6. Support of supplementary
personnel of above (5), with safe
guards for administrative author
ity of Christian agency.
7. Support of pilot projects mu-
tualiy agreed upon.
8. Aid to literacy campaigns.
Underlying concern of the gath
ering was that the American
church tradition of independence
from Government be maintained
even in mutual projects.
"a main principle in the tradi-
ton of American Christianity is
for the church to stand unnis-
tabably as a voluntary society
supporting its work by the con-
tributions Of its own members and
not making itself as a church
subservient in any manner to the
state" the report stated.
1--WE believe any modification OF
this tradition would be perilous
We also believe that this tradi-
ton includes cooperation with
Government for service to the
basic physical needs of humanity
This crisis of our times and the
purposes as expressed in the orig
inal point-four program call fol
new and enlarged fields Of CO.
operation"
Firm Responsibilities
Concern for the desperate needs
Of many peoples impose upon the
churches "ineScapable response
bilities to assist in the economic
and social development Of under.
developed areas" the document
said.
It then pointed out that "the
continuing threat to civilization il
not so much communism as it i.
the Illustration of the common
hunger for a better life which
may make people turn in despera.
tion to any movement promising
food and shelter and measure
Of economic security"
There are several needs to b.
met so the world can move neare,
to its dream of peace. These in
fElude increased food production
A.. L. .s..I L.