The Wadsworth Declaration on
Anti-Semitism and Racism
1948
To whom it may concern:
We believe that we owe a debt of respect to the Jewish people. Since our knowledge of God and many other cultural advantages have come to us through them, it is not more than proper that in these difficult times we should extend a sincere, friendly hand in behalf of this noble people, regardless of our vastly differing theological concepts. To do any less would be a denial of our faith in the Redemption we believe to be effected in Him whom we acclaim Messiah and Prince of Peace!
We believe that Anti-semitism and race hatred in any form is a denial of the basic principles of Christianity and a violation of the respect and dignity that is befitting a fellow human being.
We believe that it is our Christian obligation to maintain a consistent witness of love and respect for our fellow men regardless of race, creed, or color.
We shall, therefore, by every means at our disposal take such action as may be proper to eliminate from our constituency any improper impressions of the Jewish people, and shall press our campaign to embrace any and all who may have become misinformed on this subject.
We the presiding officers of the convention of Mennonite Churches of Ohio, meeting at Wadsworth, Ohio, this 1st day of May, 1948, signing in behalf of the delegate body, hereby affix our signatures as representing the will and wish of our organization to sincerely subscribe to the above stated policy.
SIGNATORIES: Stanford Mumaw, Pres., Walter Stuckey, Sec., M. L. Troyer, Vice Pres., D. W. Miller, Treas., Dale Nofziger, Lay Representative. May God, the giver of peace, give us peace in our time!
RESPONSE OF
THE CLEVELAND JEWISH COMMUNITY COUNCIL
TO WADSWORTH DECLARATION
The reaffirmation of the universal principles of religion as reflected in the WADSWORTH DECLARATION is indeed heartening and merits emulation by all groups. Prejudices and hatred towards others because of differences in race or religion cannot exist or take root among peoples whose religion is a vital force and who truly believe the ethical precept, "Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself."
-Gospel Herald, October 12, 1948
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