Proposed Religious Legislation by J. E. Jayne

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park, Washington, D. C. · Aug 29, 1912

Proposed Religious Legislation

By J. E. Jayne

THE Commission on Church and Social Service, representing the Federal Council of Churches, has announced that it will introduce into the legislatures of New York and New Jersey, bills making compulsory the granting to industrial workers of one day's rest in seven. The New York bill makes it very clear that it is not to be construed to authorize labor on Sunday that is now forbidden by law, and provides that—

"No person, partnership, firm, corporation, municipality, nor any of their agents, directors, or officers, may require or permit any employee to work on Sunday in his or its employ, except at farm labor or household service, unless within the next succeeding six days, during a period of twenty-four hours, he or it shall neither require nor permit such employee to work in his or its service."

The introduction of these bills into the legislatures of New York and New Jersey is to be followed by a general campaign in other States. Judged by the preparation being made, the advocates of religious legislation are preparing for very aggressive work during the approaching congressional year. The present is the proper time for our laborers and conferences, and all lovers of religious liberty, to make thorough preparation for active work in their own communities or States. Names and addresses of legislators and officials can be obtained upon proper application. Acquaintance can be formed and interest be created that may prove very valuable next winter. Watch the local press. Take advantage of local agitations to use literature when it will be carefully read.—J. E. Jayne, in the Atlantic Union Gleaner.