The Pittsburgh Press (February 9, 1946)
Editorial: Lasting peace means end of intolerance
By the Religious News Service
America honors this month the memory of two of her great sons: George Washington, who inspired his countrymen to fight for freedom, and Abraham Lincoln, who taught them how to sacrifice for it. One was of distinguished birth, the other of lowly origin, but they left a common message: that liberty when won can be preserved only by goodwill, forbearance and understanding among all the people.
This is the lesson emphasized in Brotherhood Week, which begins on February 18, and will be observed in communities throughout the nation. The Week will be of especial significance this year, because America is now seeking to adapt the lessons of teamwork learned during the war to the no-less important task of strengthening and implementing the peace on which the entire world is building its hopes for prosperity and security.
Christian teaching stresses that brotherhood – the practical recognition of the dignity and rights of all men, regardless of race, creed or color – is the only sure key to the better world we seek. It is the sole antidote to the cowardly hatreds, scheming prejudices, vengeful ambitions, and selfish interests which invariably pave the way for war and spell catastrophe for mullions of innocent victims.
We are on the threshold of a new social age. Leaders everywhere are inspired by the will to bring new opportunity to the peoples of all nations. But success will depend upon the degree to which their demands are heeded. There can be no lasting peace unless there is an end to intolerances inspired by racial, religious or cultural differences. The task of remaking the world may be slow and arduous, but if the new fabric of peace is woven out of the threads of brotherhood it will last through the centuries.