Introduction to the Texts

by Don Haymes

Dear Sisters and Brothers,

Having called for public discussion of race relations in the church, and having published an extensive selection from the first wave of letters, the editors of the Christian Chronicle have now to consider the consequences of their words and actions. They are embarked on a difficult voyage through precarious waters quite new to them. However much they may wish to encourage "Christian decision and commitment to a very real problem," they also hope to preserve their own commitment to a journalistic objectivity and neutrality. The journalistic wall of separation between relevant comment on controverted issues and outright advocacy of controversial positions is perilously thin and irresistibly osmotic. Like every other newspaper, the CC is a commercial enterprise that cannot afford to lose money. One chooses one's battles carefully.

Christian Chronicle 21 (25 October 1963): 2.

Not A 'Brotherhood' Issue

The "Negro question" is indeed something for the church to talk about, as was evident in last week's Chronicle when we gave considerable extra space to letters from readers expressing their thoughts about this serious issue.

Several letters we received from members of the church were against integration of the congregations. Most, however, were for it--and these came from North and South. We were not playing one side or the other in the publishing of the letters which were published. They were merely the best written, most logical, most clear-headed of the letters.

Of course we received several obvious "crank" letters and they were not used. We are not attempting to stir up a hornet's nest. As we said in our first editorial, we are merely laying the question on the line and saying the brotherhood needs to discuss it. We are not taking a side as a paper. It is the farthest thing from our minds to stir up some kind of a church fuss. This is not our purpose. We reiterate. This is not our purpose.

At least one person has said he was sorry to see the Chronicle go into this. He says it ruins our reputation for sticking to straight news and keeping our editorial page on an inspirational rather than doctrinal plane. He thinks it will hurt our reputation.

In answer let us say that this is not a "brotherhood" issue. Too many things are couched in this term, "brotherhood issue", anyway. The negro question is a question for all humanity. And it just so happens that the pangs are in the United States right now, and it just so happens that the church is strongest in the United States right now. And no other paper among us is giving the question any space to speak of.

And we must face the issue of the negro, and search our hearts to find the proper Christian attitude towards these people. We must analyze our own feelings and determine why we feel the way we do.

No, the Chronicle is not trying to champion the negro. Neither is it going to hide from the issue. One of the greatest humanitarian questions of all time is in our laps. We must somehow face it. (L. T. C.)

Here ends the text
Lane T. Cubstead, the "managing editor" of the CC, here steps in to reinforce the paper's appearance of objectivity against the inevitable accusations--not entirely unfounded!-- of advocacy. In the precincts where the CC operates, it is not yet politically correct to espouse the cause of civil liberties for anyone, least of all for Americans of African descent. Although the CC is editorially diffident, it is publishing letters that advocate overthrow of the "Southern Way of Life." In some quarters, this is "comminism" and an invitation to abrupt termination.

Cubstead is a working journalist in the manner taught in Abilene by Heber Taylor and Reginald Westmoreland. He does not write with the fire and grace of James Nichols or Walter Burch, whose influence on the original, unsigned editorial of 27 September 1963 is apparent. They have disturbed the waters and rocked the boat; Cubstead's task is to survive the journey without changing course.

Meanwhile, the letters continue.

May God have mercy.

dhaymes, his mark +

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