Signs of the Times

Jim Phillips

The Christian Century

In Denver, Colo., a salesman lists six prospect calls on his daily report. He sees four. ... In Savannah, Ga., a clerk shoves a few ballpoint pens into his briefcase. The company's big, big enough; it won't miss the pens. ... In Des Plaines, III., an advertising executive takes a cab to a client's office. The fare is $1.55; he writes $2.25 on his expense account. ...

Any one of those men could tell you it's not easy being a Christian seven days a week—but they probably won't. They might, however, if they happen to be "salty Christians" actively engaged in an Episcopal movement begun in the diocese of Chicago and now spreading among thousands of laymen across the country. These laymen are attempting to put into action from Monday through Saturday the principles they profess to believe in on Sunday. ... They have acquired a new spirit, a new courage—the kind of spirit induced by self-discipline and self-analysis in the face of a cold, self-centered business world. While attempting to fight the temptations thrown at them during the nine-to-five hours, they are helping other men discover the importance of believing that Christ is out there in the office, the parking lot, the commuter train, the newsstand—as well as in the church.

Under the direction and faithful prodding of Morton O. Nace, Jr., its executive director, "EC"—Episcopal Churchmen—has become an active force instead of just another men's club. ...

In separate sessions real estate salesmen, engineers, musicians, physicians, lawyers, office workers, entertainers have discussed freely their unique moral/spiritual dilemmas. They have acknowledged, argued, analyzed, awakened, advised. At the end of each session the men usually are heard complaining that there has been too little time to go far enough into their business lives, into the meaning of being "the salt of the earth." ...

To date more than 1,000 laymen have participated in Christian vocation programs under the EC banner, which waves vigorously on behalf of men wanting to know what Christ expects of them in their working lives.

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