appropriate statement of a pastoral nature to be issued for the guidance of Episcopalians in all sections of the country, and to make a report at the December 1954 meeting of the national council." The department of Christian social relations requested the division of Christian citizenship to prepare a draft report and statement and to appoint a committee of advice and consultation in this matter. Subsequently, the director of the department, the Reverend Almon R. Pepper, D.D., in consultation with the chairmen of the division and of the department, invited a representative group of churchmen to serve on this committee of advice and consultation. The division's staff prepared a draft report and statement for consideration by the department, the division, and the committee of advice. This document was considered at an all-day meeting of the division and the committee of advice on December 7, 1954, under the chairmanship of Bishop Scaife. Members of the committee who could not attend sent written comments for consideration at the meeting or afterward gave their approval in writing of the report and statement adopted by the division. At the conclusion of the discussion, the amended document, together with a draft resolution for consideration by the council, was unanimously adopted by the division, with the unanimous concurrence of the committee of advice. It was then forwarded to the department for action. The following day, the department, under the chairmanship of the Very Reverend John C. Leffler, considered and amended the document and resolution, adopted them unanimously, and referred them to the council for action. 5 On December 8, 1954, the national council, with the Right Reverend Henry Knox Sherrill presiding and with 28 of the 31 members of the council present, unanimously accepted the report and statement. The council also unanimously adopted, with one amendment, the resolution presented by the division and department. 7 3. WORKABLE AND INEVITABLE The Court's decision touches the life of the whole Nation, even though it affects most directly those States and communities which now require or permit racial segregation in the public schools. In one way or another segregation is an issue for almost every community in the Nation. The Court speaks only of the public schools, ruling that segregation is unconstitutional, because segregated schools are inherently unequal and are likely to permanently harm those who attend the inferior schools. This very judgment, however, seriously questions the validity of racial segregation in all schools and in all areas of the life of the Nation which are common to all citizens. Desegregation of all public schools, colleges, and universities is now the order of the day. In other areas of life, desegregation is, also, on the agenda of the American people. This larger process of desegregation of various aspects of American life represents a longstanding and accelerating trend. In this framework, the Court's decision is neither novel nor entirely unexpected. Its unanimity, however, enhances its significance and makes it an extraordinary force for justice and freedom and democracy around the world. Voluntary desegregation of public schools in southern-type communities has worked in the past and is now working in some segregation States themselves. More than this, it has worked in public universities and in private schools and colleges in the Deep South. Where desegregation of public schools has been undertaken it has been successful, in all but a few instances, if there has been no outside interference. Where it has been successful, the universal verdict has been: it was easier than anticipated. Most Americans appear ready to accept the Court's decision as the law of the land, even though they may be puzzled about how it is to be obeyed. "Answers for Action," published recently by the Southern Regional Council was written in the belief that the vast majority of southerners accept what is now the law of the land, want to have done with bitterness and obstruction, and are willing to sit down with their fellow citizens of the other race and find the best ways to move ahead. The report consists of pp. 5-36 of this document. Even in the States most affected there seems to be a growing mood in the direction of compliance with the Court's ruling, provided this can be done gradually. More and more its necessity and rightness are being recognized. However, some of the apparent mood of acceptance is potential. Many are uncommitted and may be won over by the propaganda and other measures promoted by organized prosegregation groups. In many places the opposition is vocal and tends to get headlines in the press, radio, and television out of proportion to its real strength. In other places opposition is secret and potentially dangerous to law and order. Responsible leaders of both races recognize the complexities which face genuine efforts to implement the decision and show a disposition to seek and follow constructive and cooperative measures. The possibilities of peaceful and steady desegregation are enhanced by integration movements within churches, social welfare agencies, public and private graduate schools, and community groups which preceded the ruling and helped prepare the hearts and minds of many to accept it. Since the decision was announced, cooperation of church and civic groups to promote its acceptance, as an expression of American democratic ideals and religious faith, has reached a new high and has been singularly effective in some communities. Proper channels for communication and cooperation between all racial groups in each community are necessary for constructive discussion and action. Such channels exist in only a relatively few of the communities most affected by the ruling. In many places the possibilities of this constructive communication are inhibited by custom, law, or fear of reprisals. These customs, laws, and fears affect both races, even though they are felt most severely by Negroes. Absence of adequate opportunities for constructive association, discussion, and cooperation tends to create a vacuum which may attract headline seekers and persons with selfish ambitions who will exploit the situation and create preventable strife and tension. Everywhere there is a need for informed, wise, unselfish leadership, typical of consecrated Christians. This need presents both an opportunity and an obligation. IV. NEW DUTIES FOR NEW OCCASIONS-A STATEMENT OF GUIDING PRINCIPLES, POLICIES, AND PRACTICAL SUGGESTIONS "New occasions teach new duties." God, as revealed in Jesus Christ, summons us to a dynamic application of His Holy Word to the needs and problems of each day. As the God of history, He speaks to us through the events of history. A MATTER OF LAW The Supreme Court of the United States of America, the highest legal authority of the Nation, has declared "that in the field of public education the doctrine of 'separate but equal' has no place. Separate educational facilities are inherently unequal." It has ruled, therefore, that racial segregation in public schools is unconstitutional and illegal. Law and order are essential to the stability and sanctity of home and church and the free institutions of the Nation, indeed, and to the life of the Nation itself. A MATTER OF RELIGIOUS CONVICTION The Court's ruling is more than a matter of law and order; it is also a matter of religious faith and democratic principles. Among all these vital aspects, the religious and moral are primary. They are more fundamental than law or political conviction. The ruling is a matter of Christian faith and morals because it has to do with the will of God and the welfare and destiny of human beings. It affects not only those granted relief by the Court, but it touches the life of every person who dwells within the jurisdiction of the Court. The vital nerve of the Court's action is that it stems from and affirms the Divine origin of all men. In declaring that segregation is inherently unequal, it affirms the equality of all men as human beings, and the sacredness of human personality in the eyes of God. Our attitude toward this decision reveals our real belief about God, about ourselves, and about all mankind. God creates all men-of all sorts and conditions-in His own image. This image is spiritual and moral, not physical. In this basic humanity all are equal and may not be denied the rights and obligations which go with it, without offending God. God did not create some men in His image and others in some inferior mold. All men, regardless of race or color, have immortal souls, and are equally dear to Him. God has made each part of His creation for a purpose and each part has a contribution to make the whole. "The eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee; nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you. Nay, much more those members of the body which seem to be more feeble are necessary. (I Corinthians 12:21-22.) This is a cardinal belief of all Christians who truly understand the life and teaching of our Lord Jesus Christ, who taught us to pray to our Father. It is not an optional belief. It is not a matter of opinion. It is a cornerstone of Christian faith. It is this conviction that all men are created by God, that alone gives point to our use of the Lord's Prayer. It alone gives meaning to the Christian idea that all men are brothers. In Christ, God revealed Himself in human form (John 1: 14), and by that very act reaffirmed the sacredness of human personality, the dignity and worth of each person. And, as if to make the point crystal clear, He identified Himself with all those despised and rejected by men. Jesus made His identification with all men explicit when He declared: "Inasmuch as to one ** you do it unto me." (Matthew 25:40.) * God's incarnation calls us all to a new relationship through Him with all men. His death and resurrection assure the possibility of redemption for all. This new relationship with all men is a requirement not an elective. "By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." (John 13: 35.) "Thy kingdom come" (Matthew 6: 10). Our daily prayer for the kingdom is fulfilled in part wherever men discover and experience this new relationship in Christ Jesus. "If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old is passed away, behold the new has come." (Corinthians 5: 17.) Segregation breaks the relationship to which we are called in Christ, engendering in the hearts of some the hurt of humiliation, in the hearts of others the damage of pride. "Ye are all one in Christ Jesus." (Galatians 3: 28.) This oneness is broken by racial segregation, hate, frustration, or fear. * More than this, the Court's decision has to do specifically and primarily with the welfare of children. "Whoever shall offend one of these little ones ** * it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck (Matthew 18: 6.) Who can no longer deny that inferior schools are an offense to children? Who can deny that indoctrinating children with false ideas of superiority is an offense to them, according to the teaching of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ? An equal chance to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness is. the minimum each child should have. A MATTER OF DEMOCRACY In a peculiar and basic way, public schools in a democracy are evidence of this equal chance or the lack of it. Education-in knowledge, in character, in productive skills, in democracy-is the foundationstone of mature personality growth and responsible citizenship. Knowledge, character, productive skills, and democracy are matters of experience, perhaps even more than of facts. Therefore, public schools, open to all, are vital to the democratic health of the Nation. EACH MUST DECIDE From a religious point of view, all Christians must answer the same question the Court has answered from a legal point of view: Does racial segregation violate or limit the rights affirmed by our Christian conviction about God and man, which convictions are written into the political creed of the Nation? We can answer this religious question only as the Court has answered the legal question, that is, on the basis of actual facts and experience. Facts and experience point to three general conclusions: (1) Where schools are segregated they are separate but almost never voluntarily equal in facilities and resources and seldom equal in these respects even when under court order. (2) Even where equal in these tangible aspects, they have been unequal in the most basic intangible factors which affect the healthy growth of personality and the development of individual faculties and responsibility. (3) The psychological effects of racial school segregation are as detrimental to whites as to Negroes. The harmful feelings of inferiority which it engenders in Negro children and teachers and parents are matched by feelings of superiority which are equally harmful from a religious point of view. "Lord I thank Thee that I am not like other men." (Luke 18: 10.) These facts, judged in the light of Christian faith and principles, lead us to the conclusion that the Court's decision is just and right and necessary. commend this conclusion to all churchmen and others. GOD CALLS US We Through this decision, God calls the church and churchmen again, with loving concern, to repentance and obedience. We are called to repentance for what we have done, individually and as members of groups, to maintain or extend racial divisions; repentance for what we have not done to bring healing in the name of Jesus Christ; and repentance for what we have done, in an unloving manner, to remove barriers. Each of us must ask himself: "What is my particular sin in this situation?" We are called to obedience in the first instance, and primarily to God. He speaks in our hearts through conscience and the fellowship of the church. The obedience which we owe under the law of man is as nothing in comparison with that we owe in Christ. Let us fear the judgment of God more than the judgment of men. Obedience to God may lead us through suffering, even as it led Jesus Christ through Calvary. His resurrection is our assurance that obedience also leads to God's victory in and through Jesus Christ. We are called then in a new and compelling way to give fresh and dramatic witness, in our personal and church life and work, of the unity of God's people which links together with the golden cord of love the most diverse and different of God's children. We cannot be content with any private sense of piety which may flow from a consciousness of our own good will. We must strive in church and community to secure freedom, equal justice, and security from the fear of racial hatred. SOME GUIDING PRINCIPLES AND POLICIES We declare our approval and pledge our support to the decision of the Supreme Court. To give substance to this approval and pledge, we commend to ourselves and to all Christians certain basic approaches and policies as guides toward constructive thinking, positive relationships, and Christian action: 8 (1) All races are responsible for seeking and applying a Christian solution to their mutual problems, regardless of initial responsibility.* (2) Leaders of all races are concerned and have a vital and necessary contribution to make. Consequently, those now in charge of school and community affairs are not alone in their concern for a peaceful solution, nor do they alone have the wisdom to work toward that end. Responsible and representative leaders of all races should be included from the outset in the councils which seek to effect desegregation.* (3) Individual churchmen have an obligation to seek constructive contacts and to create and utilize channels for discussion and cooperation in the community. Through this means we may build personal relationships and communications which are so often absent. (4) Every churchman is clearly called to work unceasingly to create and foster genuine Christian fellowship between races in his own congregation and church school, in hospitals, homes, and institutions, and in every aspect of the church's life. (5) Parents have a special opportunity and responsibility to set an example for their children, and to help them grow up free from prejudice and ill will. They can help instill a deep respect for all men and a firm conviction about the sacredness of the rights of persons.* 8 The starred items are in substance the same as those set forth as guiding policies by the Department of Christian Social Relations of the Diocese of Mississippi, August 1954, in its publication, "The Church and the Supreme Court Decision." (6) Each Episcopal church can give vital leadership by making it clear that all churchmen are invited into the full life and fellowship of the church, including its services of worship, parish organizations, diocesan activities, churchsponsored schools and institutions. Each parish and mission has a primary responsibility for this leadership. (7) Each parish church and mission faces its old obligation with new force and urgency, namely, to seek diligently for every unchurched person in its neighborhood, to bring the good news of Jesus Christ to such persons, and to welcome them into the fellowship of that church or mission. This old doctrine of the task of the church was reaffirmed at the 1952 general convention in two resolutions: (a) We consistently oppose and combat discrimination based on color or race in every form, both within the church and without, in this country and internationally. (b) This convention affirms its conviction that no branch of the Christian church should rest content while any injustices in racial relations obtain in parishes, schools, and agencies under her control or in association with her; and that it urges every member of the church to labor unceasingly for the elimination of such injustices. SOME PRACTICAL SUGGESTIONS Diocesan bodies such as departments of Christian social relations can promote study conferences on public schools which will include community leaders, and prepare material for use of parish groups, as has been done by some already. A diocese may establish a special committee, representative of all races, to give leadership, provide study materials, organize study conferences, and confer with school authorities and other State officials with a view to assisting in the transition to desegregated schools. College work commissions, Canterbury Clubs, and other diocesan and parish youth groups have a special opportunity to give leadership among youth. Parish groups can promote study conferences to discuss facts and plans of local school districts; may take the lead in encouraging representation of all races on school boards; and may cooperate with other agencies concerned with the schools, such as the PTA, Leage of Women Voters, councils of churches and of churchwomen, the Southern Regional Council, and interfaith groups. Diocesan and parish groups can promote circulation and distribution through tract racks and otherwise, of materials published by the Southern Regional Council, the Department of Racial and Cultural Relations of the National Council of the Churches of Christ, the United Church Women, and the national council of this church. WE GIVE THANKS We thank God for the new and rich opportunity for health and healing which the decision has opened up, and for the new hope this brings to people all over the world. Ample evidence of this increased health and healing is to be found in the events since the ruling was announced. For the striking fact of these first months is the widespread and increasing acceptance of this new interpretation of the law. This growing acceptance is more significant than either the much publicized or the secret opposition. We thank God that so much of this growing support is based on reasoned Christian insight, faith, and conviction. We thank God that through His Holy Spirit He has put it into the hearts of many to undertake voluntarily to remove these barriers between the children of our land. These efforts have demonstrated that the decision is as workable in practice as it is sound in principle. It is true and it works. In the light of these successes, the recognized practical difficulties which still exist may be seen as being manageable, when approached in good faith by men and women of good will. APPENDIX A The following is the full text of the resolution supporting the Supreme Court's decision against segregation in the public schools, unanimously passed by the National Council of the Protestant Episcopal Church at its final meeting of the year, December 8, in Greenwich, Conn. |