Resolution Adopted by the CCAR
FREEDOM OF PULPIT
Digests of resolutions adopted by the
Central Conference of American Rabbis
between 1889 and 1974
1. See Rabbi, (Freedom of), Sec. 2 (1946).
2. See Social Betterment, Sec. 3 (1951).
3. We welcome the resolution on Freedom of the Pulpit passed at the recent
Biennial
of the Union of American Hebrew Congregations. This resolution said, in part:
"Rabbis
have the right to interpret the words of Scripture in the light of
contemporary problems and the exercise of this right must be zealously guarded
Congregations have the
right to disagree with the utterances made from the pulpit and to express
their dissent
in Congregational meetings, Temple gatherings and membership meetings. We
would urge
rabbis and laymen alike to cherish this precious freedom, and to ensure that
no restraints
are placed upon it, while at the same time recognizing that it imposes an
obligation
to respect the rights and opinions of those who disagree." (1953 p.
125)
4. See Rabbi. Freedom of Sec. 6 (1953)