Religion: American Malvern (time.com)

Posted on Jan 1, 1

Overview & Context

In this March 16, 1942 article, Time reports on a landmark meeting at Ohio Wesleyan University, where delegates from over 30 U.S. Protestant denominations convened to propose a sweeping set of principles aimed at shaping a just and durable post–World War II peace.

🌍 Vision for a New World Order

  • Called for a “world government of delegated powers”, marking a clear rejection of postwar isolationism.
  • Advocated international control of military forces, a universal monetary system to stabilize economies, and free global immigration.
  • Supported trade liberalization, autonomy for colonial peoples, and a democratically governed international bank to oversee development.

🧭 Key Participants

  • 375 delegates including bishops, seminary presidents, university leaders, and public figures like John R. Mott, Irving Fisher, and Harvey S. Firestone Jr.
  • Backed by Protestant networks such as the Federal Council of Churches, indicating a significant ecumenical consensus.

⚖️ Democratic & Global Significance

  • Embodied a religious vision for global governance, deeply entwined with moral and spiritual imperatives for peace.
  • Sought to influence U.S. policy—rejecting isolationism, promoting international institutions, and embedding ecumenical values in foreign affairs.
  • Highlights a moment when religious leaders helped shape foundational ideas of postwar international law, human rights, and global economic order.

📚 Citation

Time Magazine Staff. (1942, March 16). Religion: American Malvern. Retrieved from https://time.com/archive/6603746/religion-american-malvern/
Summary generated by ChatGPT (GPT‑4).