l action committed to the
principles of comity which we advocate, it would seem
reasonable to hope that at least gradually these principles
would find realization along some such lines as here proposed.

It is manifest, of course, that no plan of procedure can be
expected to cover all cases or to be of universal
applicability. We are glad to record that in some States there
are Interchurch Federations to which local comity matters would
naturally be referred. For other cases this Council proposes
the erection of an Interdenominational Commission, to which any
matter of comity not otherwise provided for may be referred by
mutual agreement of the parties at interest. One representative
of each of the bodies having membership in the Home Missions
Council shall constitute this commission. When any case calling
for adjudication shall rise, which case shall previously have
had the consideration of any one or more of the constituent
bodies of the Home Missions Council, it shall be referred to a
Committee of Three chosen from this committee and acceptable to
both parties. The decision of this committee shall have no
ecclesiastical force, but its utterance shall be regarded as
voicing the united judgment of the Home Missions Council and so
far forth shall be binding on its constituent bodies.

It is recognized that these principles do not receive the most
enthusiastic support of church leaders who are thinking in terms of
denominational progress instead of community welfare. But this lack of
support is an evidence of their value instead of a criticism.
Denominational interests must be sacrificed for the sake of the
advancement of the entire cause when the two come into conflict. There
is reason to hope that not only Protestants but also Catholics and
Protestants can come to cooperate on programs of community service,
thus overcoming forever the vital objection to religious leadership
now made that because of fundamental differences in belief the two
great branches of the church cannot render an organized community
service.

The relations of the benevolent boards of the several denominations to
other church organizations are such that but little can be said
concerning methods of relating missionary work to the larger program
of community service. In each case where projects for missionary aid
are presented effort should be