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ay . itself in the great problems of the social order and why it constantly endeavors to bring love to bear in their solution. 7 8 The AFSC is an instrument of communication, small scale rather than mass, but at its best, deep communication. ‘ All of its programs explore the requirements of a nonvio- er re lently ordered society, or experiment with approaches to its realization. The Committee tries to examine candidly the _ implications of its religious pacifist insights, and to offer opportunities to those holding other responsible beliefs to ; challenge them. , The Committee brings this philosophy to bear in two" problem areas particularly: race relations and international \ order. It does so, first, because its faith that Christ’s message can speak to the affairs of nations is as deep as the conviction that it speaks to the affairs of individuals, and second, . because it feels the need is greatest where the gulfs are widest. In choosing these fields of service, which are com- plex and charged with emotion, the Committee must expect : to find itself caught from time to time in controversy, its motivation questioned, its actions misunderstood, its conclu- sions rebuffed. : In spite of this, the American Friends Service Commit- . tee feels compelled to continue to witness to its convictions both as a religious duty and as an expression of responsible citizenship in a free society. It is precisely because the AFSC is concerned to uphold the values that lie at the core of our national way of life, that the Commiiitee has exercised its responsibility to speak freely, as consiction may require. This it believes to be real patriotism, bfcause freedom must be exercised with vigor if it is not to become mere form and ritual, and lose its power. The Com..ittee has therefore spoken out in opposition to loyalty oaths and security pro- grams because it believes-they create a climate of timidity and mistrust that chills the heart of freedom. It has sup- he 7 ported experiments in nonviolence and public witness a because these reflect the individual's conscientious assump- tion of responsibility at a time when apathy prevails. ° rad eee