Evening star., 1953-01-18
The Week in RELIGION
By Religious News Service


Church leaders are becoming
alarmed at the growing con-
sumption of liquor in the United
States. A campaign is under
way on national and State levels
to halt this trend. Churchmen
are particularly concerned over
what they consider to be an ef-
fort. through advertising and
other methods, to indoctrinate
young people in drinking habits.
The Christian Century. one of
the most influential church pa
pers in the country, published an
editorial this week entitled
Drinking has become a national
menace"
The publication quoted Gov
ernment figures as showing that
in 1851 Americans over the age
of IA drank an average of 26.5
gallons of intoXicants apiece.
This worked out to a consump-
ton of four pints a week, or
more than 9 fluid ounces a day.
Preliminary figures now avail
able, the paper said, show that
the 1852 average climbed above
10 fluid ounces a day.
lone need not be a bluenose
to become exercised at such a
disclosure, the Christian Century
said. Nothing less than the fu-
ture of the Nation is threatened" !"
Throughout the Nation church
groups are seeking legislation to
curtail liquor distribution and
to restrict advertising of alco-
holic beverages, particularly over
radio and television.
The Methodist Board of Tenn
perance urged formation Of in
terdenominational committees to
question candidates for public
Office on their attitude toward
temperance legislation.
Object to Advertising.
A board resolution said many
American churches are con-
cerned over the extent to which
beer and liquor advertising are
invading "the very precincts Of
the home to appeal to youth"
Indianapolis churchmen re-
Gently were successful in obtain
ing a ban on "lip-smacking"
beer commercials over a local
television station.
Petitions asking the three
Indianapolis daily newspapers
to discontinue alcoholic beverage
advertising were circulated at
services in Protestant churches
there.
With many State Legislatures
now opening their 1853 sessions,
church and temperance groups
are seeking tighter liquor cou-
troll legislation.
These groups received support
from Gov. William B. Umstead
Of North Carolina, who, in his
address this week to the Legis-
lature, advocated a Statewide
referendum on whether the
legal sale of liquor should be
continued.
Seek Local Option Law.
In South Carolina, the State
Christian Action Council an
nounced it will seek passage of
a local-option law by the Legis-
lature.
The United Drys of Okla
homa. church-sponsored group,
served notice on State Legis-
lators that they can expect a
revival of the organizations
bone dry" program.
The New Hampshire Council
of Churches and the State
Christian Civic League have in
formed the new Legislature they
will present a united front
against any effort to undermine
the present liquor control
system
In Connecticut. the United
Temperance Society announced
it will seek legislation making
liquor manufacturers and dis
tributorS financially and crimi-
nally responsible for accidents
caused by intoxicated persons.
Christian law enforcement
leagues have been formed in var
ious parts of Mississippi to Sc
cure stronger enforcement of the
States prohibition law. In some
cases ministers have raided night
spots to secure evidence.
Sets Increase in Budget.
The United Texas Drys, an
organization backed by most
Protestant denominations of the
State. has adopted a budget goal
for 1853 that is two and a half
times more than last years in
come.
In Louisiana, the Moral and
Civic Foundation, which is spon-
sored by 95 per cent of the
States Protestant denomina-
tions, plans a f1ve-year program
of alcohol education among
youth.
The United Temperance Move
ment of Minnesota, also a Pro-
testant agency. is attempting to
KG w Will Ranlana