X THE MORAL AND RELIGIOUS WELFARE OF THE ARMY AND NAVY Obedient to its profoundest instincts, the whole church in America is deeply stirred for the spiritual welfare of the young men of the army and navy of the republic. The creation of new forces on new principles and on a vast scale for participation in an unprecedented conflict calls for a new consideration of the relation of the church to those who are called to the colors. The Federal Council of the Churches of Christ in America in a special meeting assembled, in behalf of the churches that it represents, invokes first of all most earnest prayer to the Great Head of the church, that the young men called to the service of the nation may be equipped for a spiritual warfare. High beyond expression is the resolution with which multitudes of these young men have enlisted. Their words at this hour in many a home will be treasured as the most sacred possession. It should be our utmost endeavor to conserve these holy emotions and ideals. We believe that the might of our forces is directly proportioned to their character, and that training and efficiency come to their highest expression in the lofty soul. It is the duty then of our churches to give of their best to accompany our troops to their training camps and to the front wherever they may be called. The church finds expression in the army and navy first of all in the appointed chaplains who are the accredited ministers of the churches. Their rank has been recognized by the government. Provision has also been made for their appointment in numbers adequate to the needs of the service. The statutes may need modification. Arrangements have been entered into with the Secretary of War and the Secretary of the Navy whereby these departments of the government permit the Federal Council, through its committee on army and navy chaplains to recommend such of these new chaplains as are apportioned to the Protestant churches. It was unanimously agreed that the situation demands that the pick of the young ministers of the churches be sought for this service. It is necessary for these men to rank with the highly trained officers of the army and navy and to be able to meet successfully the difficult work which the chaplaincy involves. We should urge upon Congress, and upon the military and naval authorities, especially upon the officers of the army and navy who have authority |