in the interest of society and the individuals who comprise it; if each
renders to the other its dues and tries to develop its services in a spirit
of enlightened unselfishness, only good can result. Government supplies,
or should at least provide for, peace and order, law enforcement, oppor-
tunities for education and the necessary welfare of the public. The
church should supply the ideals and inspiration which will produce
worthy citizens and keep the state moving steadily toward its highest
goal.

Government, in spite of occasional excesses and neglect, is becoming
more social minded and, on the whole, more efficient in our country. It
has withstood relatively well the tensions and readjustments that have
resulted from the new scientific outlook, war, population changes, in-
dustrial and racial strife., and it has made its contribution to the meeting
of new social needs. But it needs the services of religion, with its emphasis
on spiritual values, to provide a proper balance. Religion, by culti-
vating the sense of answerableness to God and duty to one's generation,
is the factor which has shown the largest capacity to provide a strong
motive for responsible citizenship. And responsible citizenship is the
very foundation stone upon which organized society rests.

I would say, then, that we serve out country well when we promote
the wholesome alliance between church and state which has made the
American creed, the American dream, almost as one with the Christian
ideal....

In all the decisions I make, personally and in my official capacity, I try
to be guided by the Christian ideals and the Christian precepts taught
me in my church.

ADDRESS. SEVENTH BAPTIST CHURCH
BALTIMORE

December 4, 1960

I am, I assure you, highly honored and highly pleased to be able to
participate in this open forum worship service. I must, however, confess
that I face this task with some concern and some trepidation. I have
been asked to speak on the subject, "The Decisive Significance of Reli-
gion in the Basic Foundations of America. " To do this subject justice, I
fear, may require more skill, more knowledge and more wisdom than I
possess. It, nevertheless, is a challenge, and I rather like a challenge.

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