LIVE FOR OTHERS

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20129, 26 December 1939, Page 5

LIVE FOR OTHERS

ROOSEVELT PLEA PRAYERS OF NATION MESSAGE TO POPE LEADERS OF CHURCHES COMMON PEACE AIM (Elec. Tol. Copyright—United Presa Assn.) (Reed. Dec. 26, 9 a.m.) WASHINGTON, Dec. 25. Broadcasting to the American nation President Roosevelt to-day gave thanks for the interlude of Christmas in a world “bowed under the burden of man’s inhumanity to man.” The president said: “Let us forbear to give thanks only for our good fortune in our peace. Let us rather pray that we may be given strength to live for others.” President Roosevelt has appointed Mr. Myron C. Taylor as his personal representative at the Vatican with the rank of Ambassador, but without a portfolio, to further the common endeavours towards peace. Mr. Taylor is a Protestant. . . Mr. Roosevelt in a letter to His Holiness says: “At present no spiritual or civil leader could proceed with a specific plan to terminate the destruction and build anew. Yet the time for it will surely come, it is, therefore, my thought that it is well we should encourage closer ossociation between those throughout the world —those in religion and in government-—who have a common purpose. “I am, therefore, suggesting to Your Holiness, and it would give satisfaction to me, to send a personal representative in order that our parallel endeavours for peace and the alleviation of suffering may be assisted." Continuing his letter, Mr. Roosevelt states: “When the time comes for the re-establishment of world peace on a surer foundation, it is of the utmost importance to humanity and religion that common ideals should be expressed united v. Furthermore great problems ol import will then face all. Millions of all races and nationalites may seek new lives by migration or the re-establishmen. of old homes. “Here also common ideals seek parallel action. I trust, therefore, that all the world's churches, believing in a common God, will throw their influence Into this great cause. To you whom I have the privilege of calling a good friend and an old friend, my respectful greetings.” The letter is signed “cordially yours.” Similar letters were sent to Mr. George Buttrick, the President of the United States federal council ol Churches of Christ and Rabbi Cyrus Adler. Mr. Taylor’s appointment is seen as part of Mr. Roosevelt’s preparation for a serious effort towards peace. Washington believing that unless the hostilities are ended by the spring. Europe's war machines will be unleashed in earnest. The appointment does not constitute a resumption of diplomatic relations with the Vatican, which were terminated by Congress, but it will be as effective Cor Mr. Roosevelt’s purposes