Jackson advocate., 1963-11-02
See Civil

inviting disaster"
Declaring that little progress
has been recorded in public ac-
commodations, voting rights or
housing, the commission report
called for "the wisest Christian
counsel and most generous
churchly resources for the heal
ing of our social ills"
I'VE have been long on the pro-
nouncement of moral ideals and
very short on experimentation and
risk" it said
Commission members and staff
commented later, however, that
while sobered by the dimension of
the problem, they are convinced Of
ultimate victory. In floor discussion
several board members were Sangu-
inc about civil rights progress, al
though pointing out the many pit
falls and emphasizing the vast
area of thinking which must be
completely changed.
The report was presented during
sessions of the tWo-day special fall
session of the General Board at
The Riverside Church, Oct. l7-18.
The Board reviewed the activities
of the new Commission comprised
of thirty-tWo distinguished men
and women, including editors, un-
ion and business leaders, educators,
attorneys and churchmen. Chair
man is the Rt. Rev. Arthur c.
Lichtenberger, Presiding Bishop,
Protestant Episcopal Church.
The Rev. Dr. Robert w. Spike of
Now York City, executive director
of the commission, presented its
report to the Board for Bishop
Lichtenberger who has been ill.
The General Board thereafter
adopted a resolution conveying to
President John F. Kennedy, Attor-
ney General Robert F. Kennedy
and Congressman Emanuel Cellar,
chairman of House Judiciary sub.
committee, its full support of a.
strong civil rights bill including all
the elements originally endorsed by
the National Council and Catholic
and Jewish groups in testimony be-
fore that Committee.
unfortunately, it has become ap-
parent in the last few DAYS" the
resolution said, That the Sub-com.
mittee'S version of the bill lacked
the support of many who have
heretofore identified this issue as
the great moral cause of our time"
The resolution also lamented the
silence of leaders of both parties
and even Of the leadership of the
civil rights movement, at a time
when the bill has reached a most
critical stage.
Among the accomplishments of
the Commission on Religion and
Race during its four months of
existence, the report cited that its
leaders have participated in anti
segregation demonstrations and in
terraclal services of worship in the
Deep South. 1t has sent teams of
troubles shooters to many specific
areas of tension where invited. and
1t has been instrumental in the re.
lease of more than 80 persons on
bail.
1t jointly sponsored the Washing.
ton March with nine other groups.
recruited nearly 10000 church men,
bers and prepared some 10000 emer-
gency lunches for marchers.
1t Sent IS distinguished church
leaders to Washington to discuss
civil rights legislation with Con-
gresSional leaders and with Attorn-
ey General Robert Kennedy.
1t sent delegations to Medger
Evers' funeral in Jackson, Miss.
and to the memorial service for
school children murdered by a
bomb in Birmingham, Ala. Deiega-
tionS of church leaders Joined in a
demonstration at the GWyn Oaks
Park, Baltimore, Md. early last
summer, which led later to its de-
segregation.