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IN THIS BRIEF STATEMENT we attempt to do two things: (1) to point out the scriptural emphases which are fundamental concepts in the relations of Christian peoples; to set forth the verdict of modern science on race; to point out the racial implications of the Constitution of the United States; and (2) to indicate the direction which we must travel now and in the post-war years if we are to prove true to our Christian heritage. We speak with a deep sense of humility for we are by no means certain that we, as Negro churchmen, have earned the right to speak in this manner to white churchmen. We are also conscious of the fact that a message equally relevant might be addressed to Negro churchmen; and yet we are confident that our voices should be heard and our convictions recorded. Then, too, a considerable part of this document applies to both Negro and white Christians.

The Basis Upon Which We Stand

1. The Christian Faith

The Christian scriptures and the declarations of principle issued from time to time by international and national church bodies, as well as pronouncements of separate communions, all agree that the fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of man are the foundation stones upon which the structure of society should rest. All Christian church bodies recognize the Christian Bible as basic in any pronouncement on the subject of race. Typical expressions are: God "hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth"; "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus"; "God breathed into man's nostrils the breath of life and man became a living soul"; "That they all may be one"; "Now they are many members but one body"; "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself"; "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto the least of these my brethren ye have done it unto me"; "If a man say, I love God and hateth his brother, he is a liar, for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen? And this commandment have we from him, that he who loveth God love his brother also". Then, too, one acknowledged emphasis in the life and teachings of Jesus is that human personality is of supreme value.

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