Christian Liberty by Editor

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park, Washington, D. C. · May 9, 1912

Christian Liberty

By Editor

Reports, Notes, and Comments Pertaining to the Current History of the Rights of Conscience Conducted by the Religious Liberty Bureau W. W. PRESCOTT - - - - - Secretary S. B. HORTON - - - Corresponding Secretary

Religious Liberty Work in California

At the recent session of the Pacific Union Conference, held in Los Angeles, Cal., March 21-26, considerable attention was devoted to the proposed religious liberty campaign in the State of California, and the following resolutions relating thereto were adopted:—

"Whereas, There are organizations now uniting forces to establish by civil enactment a universal rule of religious confederacy; and,—

"Whereas, The late adoption of initiative and referendum has brought to the people of California and Arizona the right of individual expression in this matter; and,—

"Whereas, Many of the common people who will be called to vote upon the question have not studied the sure results to follow the adoption of such a proposition; therefore,—

"3. Resolved, That we indorse the early production of literature suitable for general circulation, such as, (1) leaflets to be scattered like the leaves of autumn; (2) a pamphlet of the same nature, and perhaps a larger book, to sell at a small price, to be placed in the hands of those who circulate these leaflets, to enable the workers to meet expenses; and that the regulation of the production of this literature be entrusted to a permanent council, to be chosen by the conference committee for this purpose.

"Whereas, The six weeks' Religious Liberty Series of the Signs of the Times, beginning May 21, filled with excellent matter, as it will be, is admirably adapted to enlighten the people regarding religious liberty and its meaning; therefore,—

"4. Resolved, That we urge all our people within the California conferences to put forth special effort to give this series the widest possible circulation.

"Whereas, The right of franchise has been granted to the women of California, and their aid is being solicited in behalf of the passage of a Sunday law at the coming November election; therefore,—

"5. Resolved, That this conference be authorized to secure, as may seem consistent to its executive, the proper person or persons to organize and carry forward a vigorous campaign of religious liberty education among the various associations of women of the State of California, in preparation for the coming issue.

"Whereas, The people of the back country districts of California are important factors in a political campaign; and,—

"Whereas, Their judgment of the issues in question is largely based on special appeals to their preferences, without placing before them possible or probable counter-truths; therefore,—

"6. Resolved, That we thoroughly instruct our people concerning the importance of this issue, and definitely district the territory; and that we give special attention to reaching the people of the back country districts with literature and by other means; and that certain workers in each local conference be assigned to the prosecution of this work, under the direction of the executive officers of the respective conferences.

"For the instruction of the people in the centers of population, in the principles of religious liberty,—

"7. We recommend, That competent speakers be sent to our larger cities to rally the people, and also to hold short institutes for the instruction of workers that can visit outlying districts with the message of truth. Where possible we suggest that street meetings be held.

"8. We recommend, That in connection with these campaigns in behalf of religious liberty, persons who are qualified for it be secured and encouraged to prepare suitable matter for the public press.

"Whereas, There is a possibility that in the coming campaign for religious liberty, emergencies will arise demanding quick action, which may involve considerable expense; therefore,—

"9. Resolved, That the union conference committee be requested to appoint a council of six persons, so located as to be easily brought together, to act with the religious liberty secretary in preparing matter and in formulating plans for such occasions, and so save unnecessary embarrassment to that particular department of the work."