Evening star., 1954-11-29

oAo1AOE WILLIAM " WAktDEN.
port said, there is a disturbing
question whether churches are
more or less influential in
American life" than they used
to be.
$500 to Hear Report.
The report was for presenta-
tion to $500 representatives of
80 Protestant and Orthodox de-
nominations assembled here to
seek new methods for reinforc-
Ing their fraternity of faith.
Measured by statistics, the re-
port said the churches have
climbed to a new high level in
the Nation. But it added such
criteria do not prove spiritual
strength"
when we consider how little
1t costs to be counted among
the church members in our
country. we are troubled the
report said.
1.-THE average church member
is not collspicuously different
from the average non-member.
The average church is so much
conformed to the world that
people are surprised if it sharply
challenges the prevailing be-
havior of the community
The major. 6,5O0-word docu-
ment on "The State of the
Church" was prepared by the
, councils general secretary, DR..
Roy G. Ross, and its associate
general secretary, DR.. Roswell P.
Barnes.
New Problems Set Forth.
It generally set forth the new
problems confronting Christian
ity in modern era described as
one Of unprecedented change"
in the living habits of people.
The council, representing 35,-
100000 Christians of varied ira
ditions, headed into it's first
working sessions today after
hearing a call to tighten their
ranks, to strengthen their COM
mon convictions.
"A closer degree Of co-opera-
tion is the demand of the hour. y
the council president, Methodist
Bishop William c. Marden of
Dallas. told an opening service
last night. Nothing else will
do"
His keynote address came after
a colorful professional of robed
delegates and UNCONVENTIONAL
banners. led by. a bearer of a
large gold cross atop a staff.
Statistics Recited.
This mornings report recited
detailed statistics of booming
church growth-record figures in
membership, contributions, Sun
day school attendance, construc-
ton and broad new programs of
church activity.
But it added:
Juvenile delinquencN rae
keteering and violence, alcohol
ism. narcotic addiction and cor
ruption in public affairs are
either increasing or at least seem
SO widespread that our society
often gives the impression of be-
ing completely undisciplined."
The report said huge shifts in
population, high divorce rates,
increased industrial employment
OF women, disrupted family. life
and the sway of ''materialistic
secularism" in education also
posed critical issues for the
church.
Advances Listed.
O1 the OLner SlQe OF the coin,
however, the report listed numer-
Gus advances in church effec-
tiveness including:
!. Intensified concern with
great social issues"
2. Increasing emphasis" on
Christian vocation-encouraging
members to exercise their faith
in their workaday jobs and re-
lationships.
8. Increased recognition of
the Importance of lay activity.
In the life and leadership OF
churches.
4. A fresh realization" Of the
churches role in educational
processes in America, with reli-
gion becoming generally recog-
nlzed" as part of a well-rounded
education.
%. A "discernible and highly
significant improvement in the
religious morale" of church
members.
s. The growth Of a great net
work" Of cooperative agencies