Religion: Words & Works

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¶ In his Christmas message to the world, Pope Pius XII called upon the statesmen of Europe to set about "forming the continental union of its peoples . . . Why continue to hesitate? The end is clear, the needs of nations are obvious to all. If anyone asks in advance for an absolute guarantee of success, the answer is that there is a risk, but a necessary one; a risk, but in keeping with present possibilities; a reasonable risk."

¶ The Executive Committee of the Southern Baptist Convention voted to recommend a budget of $9,200,000 for 1955—a $350,000 increase over the previous record-breaking budget for 1954.

¶ The oath of loyalty to the Communist government signed by the Roman Catholic hierarchy of Poland (TIME, Dec. 28) was an extorted one, said the Vatican newspaper, L'Osservatore Romano. "An oath taken under such conditions is objectively invalid."