# LCMS Convention Proceedings_St. Louis Missouri_1950_S1075
# Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

PARISH EDUCATION 877

Mhould officially oppose the granting of State or Federal funds for
the support of church schools. At the same time, we are persuaded
at the children attending church schools are also entitled'to the
cial services that the State is making available for children of
ool age.

On the subject of Federal aid to education the position of the
ard for Parish Education may be briefly summarized thus.

1. In many States, children and youth are laboring under an
ucational handicap. Since some States find it difficult or impos-
le to provide adequate facilities, the Federal Government has a
egitimate interest in equalizing educational opportunity.

2. While conceding the need for Federal aid, it is important
recognize possible dangers if such aid is granted. Some of these
gers are:

a. It would tend to’ remove one or more areas from local
esponsibility and thus is part of the ominous trend toward cen-

lization.

b. It has possibilities of being the first step toward eventual

mtrol of education by the Federal Government.
ec. The permanent nature of the proposed legislation envisions

-basic change in educational policy that will continue indefinitely.

» 3. If Federal aid is needed by some of the States to maintain
fan adequate educational program, it should not be made avail-
,able to all. It is an unwise capitulation to political expediency
ito make all the States beneficiaries of Federal aid to education.

4, So far as Federal aid to non-profit private and parochial
¢chools is concerned, the vital distinction between the instruc-
“tional program and social-welfare’ services should be observed.
‘Since the legislation before the Congress did not give adequate
onsideration to these points, the Board for Parish Education has
rged reconsideration and modification of the bills.

1o-ordinating Council

To help unify, simplify, and intensify church work at a time
hen Synod is growing rapidly and life is becoming more complex,
“Synod asked the Board for Parish Education to meet with the
‘leaders of our national organizations from time to time (Saginaw
oceedings, 119). This is being done through a Co-ordinating
souncil which meets annually “to prepare, suggest, and recommend
Jans for a balanced parish program based on good co-ordination
d effective integration.” This group, on which all major boards
d organizations of Synod are represented, reviews the total work
.of the Church, suggests an annual theme, recommends monthly