Search JTA's historical archive dating back to 1923

122 Jewish, Catholic, Protestant Leaders Issue “declaration on Economic Justice”

October 18, 1946
See Original Daily Bulletin From This Date
Advertisement

An eight-point “Declaration on Economic Justice,” which asserts that the moral law must govern economic life, that the profit motive in business is useful only “within reasonable limits,” and which calls for an “organized and democratic partnership for the general welfare rather than a competitive struggle for individual or group advantage” has been issued here over the signatures of 122 Jewish, Catholic and Protestant leaders.

In a preface to the statement written by the Synagogue Council of America, the Jewish leaders point out that modern rabbinic bodies have supported legislation guaranteeing the right of workers to organize, outlawing child labor, establishing social security and old age pensions, unemployment insurance, fair employment practices full employment and other measures making for a just social order. “It is our moral and religious duty,” the preface says, “so to utilize the raw materials, the new machinery, the enhanced craftsmanship of industrial workers and the skill of farmers to banish from the human scene hunger, unemployment, inadequate housing, lack of educational and recreational opportunities, inadequate medical care and other social ills.”

Recommended from JTA

Advertisement