Magyar Egyház, 1962 (41. évfolyam, 2-12. szám)
1962-11-01 / 11. szám
8 MAGYAR EGYHÁZ MAGYAR CHURCH Editorial A CALL FOR RESTRAINT AND PEACE J. Irwin Miller, president of the National Council of Churches, in close consultation with Dr. Roy G. Ross, general secretary and the council’s department of international affairs, prepared and released a statement on the Cuban crisis. It is not an official pronouncement of the National Council of Churches since such can be issued only by the General Assembly or by the council’s General Board. And even with official pronouncements the member denominations may disagree. President Miller s statement, however, is one with which we all are in full agreement. We could call it clever and wise, we could call it a statement of responsible churchmanship. but we rather say it breathes the spirit of the gospel, or even better-, it has the mind of Christ. The full text of the statement is printed below. Andrew Harsanyi ★ ★ “In this time of international crisis, the world and our nation are confronted with questions of utmost urgency and gravity. On the basis of our Christian faith we emphasize the following points which are inherent in policies of the National Council of Churches-. “1. Having our trust in God as Creator, Redeemer and Sustainer of our world and the Sovereign of men and nations, we are governed by faith, not fear. ‘In quietness and in trust shall be your strength.’ We commend to our people and to all in positions of responsibility the utmost restraint, calmness and control. “2. Realizing the ties of our common humanity, and seeking the widest possible international cooperation, we commend our government’s expressed desire for the fullest recourse to and support of international organizations, including the United Nations and the Organization of American States. The building of an international order under law depends upon the willingness of nations, great and small, to respect the clear judgments of the emergent world community as they may be expressed through its institutions. “3. Recognizing that negotiations seeking solutions to international tensions have long been in process, we support renewed negotiations to deal with the changing issues now confronting the nations. In the times in which we live, this will be continuously necessary in order to provide for the safety of all. “4. Having a Christian concern for our fellow humcn beings, we are gratified that United States policy specifies that the Cuban people are not to be denied the necessities of life. We emphasize the continuing friendship between the peoples of Cuba and the United States. We desire deeper mutual understanding and neighborly relations. We are hopeful that the Cuban people will be freed from foreign domination, and that we all may progress in political, economic and social well-being. We are anxious that all possible constructive relationships and communications be maintained. “5. Realizing that our nation has an abundance from which we must share with a world in desperate need, we recognize that we have been slow in assuming our proper responsibilities, including those in Latin America. We rededicate ourselves to work with peoples around the world for economic, social and spiritual development for a more abundant life. “6. Believing in the power of prayer, we call upon our people to be constant in prayer related to responsible action. Let us pray for all in authority with their awesome responsibilities: the President of the United States and those associated with him; the leaders of other nations; those who labor in the Organization of American States and the United Nations for the benefit of all. Let us pray that through the agonies of the present crises God may lead the nations to constructive ways of developing a world more in keeping with His will for peace with justice and freedom.” MEREDITH James Meredith attends classes daily under armed protection and moves on campus amidst hatred and the open hostility of many. One cannot help wondering how it is humanly possible to bear this. And at once another question must be raised: how can this happen in a democracy the Creed of which asserts that “All men are created equal”; in a community which considers itself “one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.” The fact that this can take place is the most serious moral problem shared by our whole society. The barriers are not always so shockingly obvious as in the case of Old Mississippi University. A very intelligent and well-educated Negro said as he left the place of a conference where he had lived together with others on the basis of complete equality and brotherhood: “For the first time in my life I’ve lived inwardly relaxed and without fear. Now as I leave this group and go into the outside world I must watch my step lest I run against those invisible Walls surrounding me everywhere.” And who could deny that those “invisible walls” and those inner fears of humiliation which are unknown to us exist for the Negroes both in the South and the North. Perhaps you say: “This is too bad, but is not really our business. IVe are white people and have all white congregations.” Indeed, we may feel uncompromised and pure on this point. But isn’t exactly this our sin that we are “pure” that we are not involved? Do our ministers and people have any contacts with Negroes not because they are Negroes but because they are fellow men? Do we support morally and financially movements that fight for civic rights for the Negroes? Do we combat the sin of racism wherever we find it: in our church, our schools, our community?
