Sons of Italy; a social and religious study of the Italians in America . s that the clergy constitute the church, there can be nochurch without the bishop, the people have no part in theconduct of the organization, they simply are the recipientsof gifts which the clergy possess and can dispense throughthe mass and the various functions of their office. Ourview being diametrically opposed to this, we are compelledin the very nature of the case so to treat our Italian convertsas to develop them into self-respecting independent sup-porters of their own church work. It is true that Italians,unused
Sons of Italy; a social and religious study of the Italians in America . s that the clergy constitute the church, there can be nochurch without the bishop, the people have no part in theconduct of the organization, they simply are the recipientsof gifts which the clergy possess and can dispense throughthe mass and the various functions of their office. Ourview being diametrically opposed to this, we are compelledin the very nature of the case so to treat our Italian convertsas to develop them into self-respecting independent sup-porters of their own church work. It is true that Italians,unused to democracy in church life, will doubtless makemany mistakes, if given large freedom. But who does notmake mistakes in the course of a life of development? Everyprecaution should be taken to provide against serious blun-ders, but we must know that by their very mistakes theywill better learn to conduct their own affairs. Cooperation of American Brothers Experience drawn from a wide observation has shownthat too large liberties, which are usually attended by official. MARIE LOUISE DIETZ MEMORIAL(FIRST ITALIAN BAPTIST CHURCH), BROOKLYN Camp Fire Girls The Sewing School The Plant ?\- : :.v; vorkL1C LIBRARY : *OX • Oa IONS LE CHIESE EVANGELICHE 173 neglect, have led to many failures in our Italian work. Espe-cially has this been true where a national or state organiza-tion has taken the initiative in the establishment of a missionand failed to secure the cooperation and loving supervisionof the local church. The tendency now, on the part of alldenominations, is to center authority in the local church orcity mission organization, for they are in a position to knowbest the needs of the mission under their care. My ownpersonal feeling regarding the matter is that unless thecooperation of the local church or individuals can be en-listed, it would be better not to attempt the task at all. Therisks are too great and the consequences too serious for usto take chances, unless the leade
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