Evening Republican, Volume 23, Number 105, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 30 April 1920 — THE INTERCHURCH DRIVE [ARTICLE]

THE INTERCHURCH DRIVE

Thirty co-operating Protestant denominations began a financial, drive yesterday and will conclude next Sunday. An attempt will be made to pledge $336,777,572. This ia the financial aim of the interchurch wdrid movement, which is described as one of the churches, by the churches and for the churches. ‘‘lts object is to enable the Protestant churches of the United States to contribute their* due share toward the evangelism of the world by means of co-operation,” says an official announcement. Under its Constitution the movement can not have anything to do with any movement to promote organic union among the churches. For the present those who are behind this campaign are content to let each denomination exercise control oyer :ts own policy. But there is a feeling that while the churches may retain their individuality, they can work in harmony to reach the goal to which all aspire. The $336,777,572 will be spent on home and foreign missions, education, Sunday schools, salaries and pensions, and hospitals, and homes. The average annual wage paid ministers is $997, so it is small wonder young men are not. entering the ministry. They may be consecrated to the cause, but they can not live without means. The appeal is being made to nonchurch members on a business basis. An eastern authority recently declared that the greatest factor in business life today is religion and that the business man’s real security ia the righteousness of the people of his 'community. People who have made advancement have been Cnnstion in faith. One medical missionary in India or China may be the means of saving thousands of lives in America by checking a disease at its source. The interchurch world drive appeals to church members because they believe in religion. It may appeal to the nonchurch member because he will decide it is good business. —Indianapolis News.