Eisenhower Endorses Call to Religious Leaders to Combat Bigotry

President Eisenhower, in a message to the National Conference of Christians and Jews, today lauded a call issued by the Conference to the American people asking for intensified action in combatting racial and religious hatred, prejudice and bigotry. The call suggested that “ministers, priests and rabbis call together like-minded citizens wherever common action could lessen tensions and promote good will.”

President Eisenhower said that the NCCJ “is creative and constructive in its proposal that our religious leaders take the initiative in calling together concerned citizens on a local basis, to treat social and group tensions as they arise.”

Problems of such magnitude as American race relations and intercultural good-will and cooperation can be dealt with most effectively on the moral and spiritual plane,” the President declared. “Courageous action by the leaders of the three great religious traditions of our country is basic to all other steps that must be taken. A free people, in voluntary associations, can unite their talents for the solution of all problems. Self-reliant minds recognizing moral responsibilities that conscience dictates, will reach righteous solutions. But the struggle must be led by those with strong moral motivation and spiritual resources. The message to the American people is a ringing call for action by those best fitted to act.”

The call issued by the NCCJ emphasized that its Commission on Religious Organizations is “deeply disturbed by growing religious and racial conflicts at home and abroad.” It pointed out that “hatred and prejudice, bigotry and pride are resulting in violence and turmoil. When one group is singled out for attack, no group is safe. We are all endangered, economically, politically, nationally and most of all spiritually.”

Stressing the fact that “forward steps” have already been taken in strengthening good community relations, the NCCJ said: “We are confident that agreements can be reached and that our religious heritage will act as a reconciling force. We therefore suggest that ministers, priests and rabbis call together like minded citizens where-ever common action could lessen tensions and promote good will. These are days of testing and of decision.”