Evening star., 1952-05-19
Disciples and Baptist,
Meet in Chicago for
Annual Conventions
By Cospor Nonnes
Sior Sfoff covrespondent

CHICAGO, May 1.-TWO Of
Americas largest Protestant de-
nominations, the Disciples of
Christ and the American Baptist
Convention. will open sifnultane-
Gus meetings here tonight.
Ofhcials of both bodies in a joint
statement point out that while
there have been discussions Of a
merger, the conventions this year
are designed to bring about better
understanding between the two
denominations rather than de-
finite steps toward union. Each
church body will hold its own
meetings, starting tonight and
continuing through Friday.
There will be three joint meet
ings tomorrow, Wednesday and
Thursday evenings in the Inter-
national Amphitheater, where the
Baptists are holding their ses-
sions. The international conven-
ton of the Disciples Of Christ
meetings are in Medinah Temple.
d. C. Pastor To Speak.
DR.. Edward Hughes Pruden,
pastor Of the First Baptist Church,
Washington. and former presi-
dent Of the American Baptist
Convention. will address the first
joint meeting of the two bodies to-
morrow. DR.. Hampton Adams of
st. Louis. former president of the
international convention, Dis
ciples of Christ, also will speak.
More than 5000 persons rep
reSenting $500 Disciples of Christ
Churches having 1,792,985 men,
bers are expected at the meeting
this week. DR.. Marvin O. Sans
bury of Des Moines. Iowa, is
president of the church body,
which organized in 1849.
36 States Represented.
Delegates from 36 States rep
reSenting 6,706 American Baptist
churches having 1,554.3O4 mem
bers; will attend this denomina-
tions sessions. President of the
American Baptist Convention is
DR.. Kenneth Scott Latourette,
professor of Oriental History at
Yale University.
The disciples meeting will con-
slider reports on church activities
and also will act on resolutions
concerning national and interna-
tional issues. Election of officers
for the coming year will be held
Thursday morning.
DR.. j. Warren Hastings, min
lister of National City Christian
Church, Washington. will deliver
a major address at the Wednesday
afternoon meeting.
The American Baptist Conven-
ton also will vote on resolutions
regarding national and interna-
tional questions in addition to
transacting its denominational
business. officers for the coming
year will be elected Friday
morning.
DIR: Pruden Talks.
DR.. Pruden last night told the
Chicago Sunday Evening Club
that men who seek solution to
the problem of war in military
preparedness. significant peace
treaties, and impressive interna-
tional conferences overlook the
fact that wars do not start in
State Departments or foreign Of
fees but in human hearts.
Mans supreme problem is
within himself, and it is there
that we must find the solution.
The greatest peace society in the
world is not the United Nations,
but the Christian church where
men and women are being pre-
pared morally and spiritually for
the responsibilities of world citi-
Zenship.
Until, through vital spiritual
experience with Christ, they &C.
quire disposition toward BROTH
erhood and goodwill, little help is
to be found in exterior pressure
or international arrangements"