strength is most needed and most appreciated. We know that our
President is today facing some of the most momentous decisions in the
history of our great nation. And I know that he, as did the late Presi-
dent Kennedy, and in fact all of our great presidents before him, turn
to God for guidance in the hours of decision.
It was suggested that I speak today on "what concerned churchmen
ought to know about practical political processes. " I know that your
seminar is concentrating this year on the subject of political processes
so that you can develop more effective political concern within your
individual local churches. This is certainly a most worthy endeavor
and I am happy to add what I can to your information on this sub-
ject. Although after more than 30 years in politics, I sometimes feel
that I do not really know a great deal more about this fascinating
subject than when I first started.
One of the most fundamental things which I have learned over
these many years, however, is that the political figure, be he candidate
or incumbent, who does not follow the wishes of and act in the best
interests of his constituency, will not be successful to any great degree.
Every politician, and I proudly use that term which has re-acquired in
recent years its rightful good connotation, tries to know what his con-
stituency, wants him to do and how they feel about the various issues
on which he has to vote. It is in this area particularly that I feel
that you and your congregations can be most effective.
As churchmen, I know that you do not become involved in advoca-
ting either of the two major parties or their candidates. You can,
however, and I strongly recommend that you do, urge and lead your
congregations in political awareness. You should urge all of the mem-
bers of your various churches to register to vote. This is most im-
portant. You would be amazed at the number of Americans who do not
take advantage of this great privilege which so many have given their
lives to insure. This is step one. I might say, of course, that I would
hope that you would urge them to do the only right thing and register
as Democrats. But seriously, this is most important, that each person
study the records and philosophies of the two major parties and regis-
ter according to that which most fits his own personal beliefs.
Voting is the next important step. And again I point out that there
are an almost unbelievable number of Americans who, once registered,
fail to exercise this great right on election day, whether it be the pri-
mary or general election. And here again you can emphasize the im-
portance of voting in the primary election as well as in the general
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