Resolutions on Religious Garb by S. B. H.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · May 16, 1912

Resolutions on Religious Garb

By S. B. H.

THE Religious Liberty Association of the District of Columbia held a meeting at the Memorial Church on Sunday evening, April 21, at which the principal speaker was Prof. W. W. Prescott. The following resolutions were adopted concerning the wearing of religious garb or insignia in the Indian schools conducted by the government:—

“The Religious Liberty Association of the District of Columbia, advocating the principles of civil and religious freedom upon which this country was established, views with apprehension the persistent encroachments of ecclesiasticism in national political affairs, and exhorts all citizens to watchfully guard against the evils which will inevitably follow these encroachments unless checked. It therefore adopts the following action:—

“1. We heartily commend the order (No. 601) issued by Hon. R. G. Valentine, Commissioner of Indian Affairs, forbidding the wearing of any distinctively religious garb or insignia by those employed in the Indian schools operated by the government, while on duty, believing that this long-standing abuse against which this order was directed is a violation of the principle of the absolute separation of church and state.

“2. We respectfully urge that the President of the United States and the honorable Secretary of the Interior make effective Commissioner Valentine’s order.”

S. B. H.