The Freedom of the Press

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Oct 17, 1912

The Freedom of the Press

It is only reasonable that denominational publication should voice the sentiments of the church they represent, and should not be turned over to opposers to criticize and tear down the work the organization is seeking to carry on. This is well expressed in the Episcopal address which was read before the last General Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Minneapolis:—

A grave responsibility rests upon our church press, general officers, and leading ministers. We understand that the church maintains a press for the advocacy of her doctrines and the defense of her polity when assailed, not as a free forum for the vagaries of writers who measure all problems by their own dooryards, or to officially sanction the promoters of disaffection. Every soldier knows that a half-dozen contentious camp guards can make more noise than a brigade of regulars on the march. While we would not restrain dignified and intelligent discussion, we must deprecate reckless and distorted criticism of our church government. If we must have quadrennial hysteria over our church polity, let it be confined where it appears, rather than made a public spectacle inviting the ridicule of our enemies.