News Briefs
Diocesan Press Service. November 2, 1964 [XXVI-27]
POLITICAL STATEMENTS ARE PRIVATE
Two resolutions put before the House of Bishops during the 6lst General Convention made it emphatically clear that the communion's affiliate organizations and individual Church members can speak only for themselves and not as official spokesmen for the nation's 3 ½ million Episcopalians. It was requested by the bishops that individuals and groups "identify their private character and do not assume by inference an authority or position they do not possess" when issuing statements reflecting political and social views.
The resolutions dealt with "A Statement of Conscience on Racism in the Presidential Campaign" issued by New York attorney William Stringfellow and signed by 678 members of the clergy and laity. One resolution called for the censure of Stringfellow, the other stated a "regret for the confusion and embarrassment caused by Stringfellow's denunciation of Barry Goldwater and Miller." Both were referred to the House of Deputies' Committee on National and International Problems.
On social issues, the statement continued, the Church's views are reflected in resolutions, statements, and actions of General Convention, and the House of Bishops. Between conventions the only official voices of the Church are the Presiding Bishop and the Executive Council.
DEFEAT NCCC WITHDRAWAL
An amendment for Episcopal Church withdrawal from the National Council of Churches was defeated by both the House of Deputies and the House of Bishops during the St. Louis Convention.
This matter has been a source of friction within the Church for several years. In 1961 the Joint Commission on Ecumenical Relations was directed to make a study of the National Council of Churches to report to this convention.
The proposal urged "Our representatives to the National Council of Churches to seek to restrain the NCC and its departments and agencies from efforts to influence specific legislation, except where issues are involved on which this church has taken a stand through the General Convention, the House of Bishops or the Executive Council."