Evening star., 1952-05-06
Methodists Censure
Race Discrimination
In Nation S Capital
BY Cospor Names
Stor Stoff Correspondent

Methodist General Conference has
adopted report attacking racial
discrimination in Washington.
The resolution approved by the
720 delegates last night called on
officials responsible for the laws
and ordinances governing the Dis
trict of Columbia to take the
necessary steps to remove all
barriers of racial discrimination,
to the end that all citizens of the
United States may, move with a
sense of freedom. may enjoy full
participation in the life of the
Nations Capital and that visitors
from all parts of the world may
see democracy in practice in our
Capital City,"
Another report calling for elimi-
nation of racial discrimination in
the Methodist Church also won
speedy approval last night.
Soundly defeated. however, was
a proposal to abolish the Central
Jurisdiction - an administrative
unit consisting entirely of Negro
churches.
Asks Continuing Study.
The report on discrimination
axis for "a continuing commission
to study the practices and organi-
cation of the worldwide church
(Methodist) to the end that racial
discrimination shall ultimately be
eliminated from our fellowship"
It also makes these proposals:
/. There should be full oppor-
tunity in all church activities for
all racial groups.
2. There should be equality of !
accommodation for all races at ma
tional and international meetings
of the church.
8. Churches and church colleges,
hospitals and homes should make
certain their policies and prac-
tices are Christian.
The meeting yesterday in an
other action repudiated the Meth
odist Federation of Social Action.
an unofficial body frequently ac-
cused of left-wing sympathies.
after a restrained but nonetheless
sharp debate.
The action was taken on a mo-
ton urging the Methodist Fed
Grafton of Social Action to drop
the word Methodist" from its
title. The statement also de-
manded that the Federation move
from it's Offices in the Methodist
Building in New York.
Called Confusing.
Confusion has arisen in the
minds of the public on the right
of the Federation to speak for
the Methodist Church." the Rev.
James w. Henley of Nashville,
Tenn, declared.
while theoretically admitting
its unofficial character, the Fed
Grafton has been willing to leave
confused it's unofficial status. The
Methodist Church must face this
issue now. We only hope the
Federation will cooperate by re-
lteving the church of the criti-I
cisms heard against it the past
few years.. ~4. Il
DR.. Henry H. Crane of Detroit
defended the Federation on three
COUNTS
The resolution proposed pro-
cedure3 that is actually unprece-
dented in our Methodist history" ~
DR.. Crane charged. "Once the
implications are recognized its
sinister precedent would be rel
vealed. It would be nothing short
of introducing the Roman Catholic
system of censorship. Never once
In the history of our church has it
censored its members.
I'm the second place. the report
particularizes by singing out one
group and ignoring other unofficial
groups and publications" he went
on. ITO stigmatize some and not
others is manifestly unjust. Third,
the practical result of passing this
report would be to threaten any
kind of deviation. 1t would help
fasten upon the church the curse
of uncritical conformity. It would
enhance the paralyzing power of
fear now abroad in this land.
Preachers would be afraid to make
any statements.
Offered Substitute.
DR.. Crane then offered to sub
stitute motion requesting the
Council of Bishops Ito set up an
impartial commission to investi-
gate the Methodist Federation of
Social Action as well as other
unofficial organizations using the
name Methodist"
THE Federation has made Ger
tain statements which many
methodists consider too radical,
too leftist, too close to the party
line" DR.. Crane said. With