Four Conventions

The Baptists are the largest denomination in America. The Baptist Young People's Union of America met in Tremont Temple, Boston, for its 32nd annual convention. " The Attractive Christ" was the keynote, frequently referred to by the speakers. The 5,000 delegates, from all parts of the United States and Canada, filled Tremont Temple to over flowing. In his address of welcome, Mayor Curley lamented the " growth away from idealism" in the United States, and rejoiced in the gathering of so much youthful idealism as was represented by the Young People's Union. Leaders of the convention stressed the following points: World Court, international youth alliance, broader interest in clean industry and politics, prohibition, missions, tithing for church finances.

An even larger convention was that held in Des Moines by the International Young People's Society for Christian Endeavor. The 15,000 delegates came not only from the United States but from all over the world. The Christian Endeavor Society was founded 42 years ago and this is its 29th international convention. " The Harvest Time Is Here " was taken as the watchword and the young people were called "harvest hands." Their attention and enthusiasm was directed to the following points: World Court, the twelve-hour day in industry, religious as well as secular education, prohibition, prohibition of poppy growing. The Colorado Fuel and Iron Company and the International Harvester Company were commended for their enlightened policy toward labor. At Winona Lake, Ind., assembled a Christian Citizenship Conference. There were present over 5,000 delegates from the United States and 30 foreign countries. This conference is sponsored by the National Reform Association, an organization of business and professional men without any particular religious affiliation. Three United States Senators, seven governors, two bishops, and many college presidents took part in the program. The 42 meetings of the conference were presided over by prominent business men from all parts of the country. The keynote of this conference was " How Can Nations Be Converted to a Sense of Their Moral Responsibilities?" Resolutions were passed favoring the World Court and prohibition enforcement, and opposing war. The last resolution was a striking document, and was sent to the rulers of 75 nations. It says in part: "Humanity is staggered by the possibilities of another world war. Nations are accountable to the same Christian principles as individual Christian men and women. There is no double standard of morality and ethics, one for men, and another for nations."

The Rabbinical Assembly in session at Long Branch, N. J., was addressed by Governor Silzer, of New Jersey, who spoke on the American Spirit, and by Rabbis Samuel Morris Cohen and Charles 0. Hoffman, of New York. Resolutions were passed: 1) Urging the Government "to take steps towards participation in the World Court or such other association of civilized States" as shall tend to substitute arbitration and justice for force in settlement of differences between States; 2) Calling upon Boards of Education and Boards of Examiners of state and national institutions to arrange examinations and other public exercises on days other than Jewish Sabbaths and holidays; 3) Urging study of the question of the Synagogue reaching the Jewish labor element; 4) Favoring the drawing up of a set of principles based on Jewish tradition to guide rabbis in their attitude toward industrial problems; 5) Urging closer cooperation with other religious bodies in efforts to further social justice.