Evening star., 1955-06-16
MethodistsBack
'54 Race Stand
InNorfo|kFinaIe
By . star stan Correspondent

NORFOLK, Va, June 16.-The
Methodist Virginia Annual Con-
ference will close its 173rd ses-
sion today after acting on reso-
lutions relating to national anc
international issues yesterday.
In the tough field of segrega.
tion, the delegates reaffirmed q
statement issued last year by the
Methodist College of Bishops
Southeastern jurisdiction.
No Easy Answer
The bishops, at Charlotte
N. c., in November said, "In the
broader field of racial relation:
the questions involved are toe
many and too complex to permit
an easy and ready answer. O1
this we are sure, however, q
Democratic society is not static
Time and the Christian con-
science test all things.
Then, in an obvious though
unexpected reference to the Su-
preme Court decision outlawing
segregation in the public schools,
the pronouncement stated in q
period Of change none can fore
see the adjustments that will be
made"
Counseling patience good
will humility and willing
ness to be led by the spirit of
Cod" the bishops suggested a
path would be found to serve
"the good of ALL"
On the international level the
delegates, representing 100000
Methodists in Virginia, ap-
proved the following resolu-
tions:
l. Foreign Aid Program-De-
clared support of the admins
tration's $3.5 billion foreign aid
program.
Rap Bricker Bill
2. "Big Four" meetings -
Called on the Nation and its rep
resentatives to approach the
coming critical international
conferences in an optimistic and
constructive spirit, and without
the hindrance of congressional
approval of the so-called 'Bricker
amendment"
3. Co-existence-Asserting our
Nations adverse first reaction to
the idea of "co-existence" with
unfortunate" the stateL
ment claimed the "only alterna-
tive to co-existence is mutual
destruction. We believe that a
realistic and constructive ap-
praisal Of the safe conditions of
co-existence is a wiser and more
Christian reaction" It added,
Our faith remains that all
forms of human tyranny even
tually die under the weight of
their own inherent denials of in
dividual dignity and worth"
4. Refugees-Urged support of
President Eisenhower's recent
appeal to Congress requesting
easier admittance of refugees to
our country under the Refugee
Relief Act of 1858.
5. United Nations and Dis
armament-Called for strong
support of the United Nations
and urged our Government to
press for action on disarmament
proposals.
The delegates reaffirmed the
denominations traditional stand
against universal military train
ing.
Fund Drive Okayed
A proposed drive to raise funds
for 100 new churches in Vir-
ginia was also approved. Bishop
Paul Neff CARRIER of Richmond
told the gathering he would find
the ministers to staff the
if the laymen gave the
money to build them.
The conference called on Con-
sress to pass legislation pro-
"the advertising of any
and all alcohol beverages" IT.
also commended the Virginia
Assembly for recently passing al
Dill requiring chemical tests"
for all persons arrested "for
reckless driving or suspected of
driving while under the influence
of alcohol. such evidence to be
admissible in court"
Memorials to the denomina-
ions general conference, to be
1eld next April at Minneapolis,
Minn.. will be acted upon at the
closing session today.