The New York Times/1916/11/22/Plea to German Churches
PLEA TO GERMAN CHURCHES.
Dr. Young Asks American Clergy’s Protest in Belgium’s Behalf.
An invitation to join in an appeal to German churches and universities to prevent the deportation of Belgians is being sent to American religious and educational bodies by the Rev. Dr. S. Edward Young, pastor of the Bedford Presbyterian Church, Brooklyn.
Clergymen generally and heads of institutions of learning are urged to write their opinions as to the propriety of sending such a communication, and in the event of a sufficient number of favorable replies being received, a wireless message will be sent within a few days to a few religious leaders and heads of universities in Germany.
Dr. Young said yesterday:
“While Germany is regarded by many outsiders as absolutely dominated at the present time by her military régime, there are pastors and university men in Germany who speak boldly their dissent from the Government's position on various issues connected with the war. In all Germany’s crises since the Reformation her pastors and university men have taken a leading part. They can exercise tremendous influence during these months ahead.
“Some pastors and university leaders may resent even this well-intended and fraternal suggestion, but it is likely that many will welcome the occasion to declare their already formed private judgments against the Belgian deportations.”