Sunday, April 29, has been set aside as national “Brotherhood Day” by the National Conference of Jews and Christians. The day had been designated for this purpose in response to widespread demands on the part of leaders of all religious affiliations. The announcement was made yesterday by Rev. Dr. S. Parkes Cadman, chairman of Brotherhood Day, who declared:
“In the past, periods of economic stress and social upheaval have been accompanied by suspicion and mistrust on the part of Protestants and Catholics, and Jews and Christians toward one another. At this particular period false rumors about minority groups are being circulated. Hatred, and suspicion of the intentions of those of opposite faiths, are foreign to the spirit of religion. Instead of learning to mistrust each other those of differing faiths should unite in a joint constructive campaign to further the interests of our country socially, civicly, economically and in every other way. It will be the purpose of Brotherhood Day to stress to the American people the fact that our energy should be turned into the direction of joint constructive effor’s among the various faiths, instead of antipathy and suspicion. The fundamental reason for doing away with prejudice is not because of any sentimentalized theory, but because the prejudice is irrational, obstructive and dangerous,”
WARBURG ENDORSES DAY
Endorsement of the proposal was made yesterday by Felix M. Warburg, noted philanthropist and Jewish leader, Charles Evans Hughes, Jr. and former Governor Alfred E. Smith.
Expressing keen interest in the decision of leaders of the three religious groups to cooperate in national observance of Brotherhood Day. Mr. Smith urged the American people to support this movement for better relations among Protestants, Catholics and Jews in this country. “Religious prejudice is both un-Democratic and un-American,” former Governor Smith declared.
Mr. Warburg stated that the time has come for Jews and Christians to determine definitely to work for a better America. “We ought to develop a constructive program for mutual welfare and then place ourselves behind it with united and sustained enthusiasm. As human beings we are all of one blood; as true Americans we have one aim–a country where all may without envy live a life full of things worthwhile,” he said.
Charles Evans Hughe Jr., declared: “I am very much in sympathy with the spirit and purpose of Brotherhood Day. I hope that it may foster a larger cooperation of all elements of our citizenship toward the realization of the ideal of American democracy.”
Brotherhood Day will aim to “enable American Catholics, Protestants and Jews to rise above old suspicions and prejudices, to look for ways of effectively working together as citizens of American democracy, and to maintain and safeguard the American ideal of religious freedom and brotherhood.” According to the sponsors, the Day will use educational approaches to the problem of misunderstanding and prejudice. It will not deal with doctrinal differences; it will not promote common worship; it will not suggest a weakening of any one’s religious convictions.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
