Truman, Harry S., as Thirty-third president

Typed letter signed ("Harry Truman"), 1 page  (10 1/2  x 8 in.; 266 x 202 mm) on stationery headed The White House, Washington, Washington, 23 February 1950, to Mary Callahan, on the importance of the family and the role of the Catholic Church in protecting it; tiny tear in lower right edge.

Typed letter signed ("Harry Truman"), 1 page (10 1/2 x 8 in.; 266 x 202 mm) on stationery headed The White House, Washington, Washington, 23 February 1950, to Mary Callahan, on the importance of the family and the role of the Catholic Church in protecting it; tiny tear in lower right edge.
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President Truman on the family and the distemper of his time.

On the occasion of the upcoming National Catholic Conference on Family Life to be held at Detroit on 13 March 1950, the President offers his observations on the family and his good wishes for the success of their deliberations, to the President of the Conference. He writes: "Intelligent and practical concern for a sound and successful family life invites the interest of all who look to the good of society. And it is always a matter of profound importance. However, there seems special need for such concern for the family today. The times are disturbed. There is all about us an unrest that lays everything open to question. This extends even to the most consecrated traditions and fundamental beliefs, including those pertaining to the family."

He goes on to point out the special role the Church has to play: her zeal for justice "drives her on to seek the protection of the family's rights." Her teaching of "the law of love of God and fellowman" is the "life blood" of "successful family living." Of particular importance is the experience of the Church regarding marriage and family living "garnered by her from a multiplicity of contacts with peoples of all times and all climes."