Documents concerning the role of religion in the YWCA of the U.S.A. The Christian purpose of the YWCA of the U.S.A. is central to its identity and under frequent discussion and evolution. The work of the YWCA of the U.S.A. comes from their belief that Christian faith demands equal life for all and a duty to help others. The role of religion in the local, national and world movements in regards to social and political activity is discussed at conferences, in printed materials and in program planning. As the membership of the YWCA of the U.S.A. grows the relationship between Christian denominations and beliefs as well as relationships to people of different faiths becomes a topic of discussion among members and leaders. Notes, reports and statements address the Christian purpose, relationships with other denominations, Catholic membership, the Christian role in inclusivity and the role of religion in YWCA of the U.S.A. programs and membership basis. Many national, local and regional events include worship services. Worship service scripts are included for World Fellowship Week events and seasonal meditations. Additional materials include articles and pamphlets on the role of religion in the YWCA movements, a book of prayers, lectures on Christianity and a copy of "Life is commitment" and its accompanying study guide, notes on the meaning of Christianity in the context of the social and political climate.
Religion
1951-1960
411 frames (1 partial reel)
This collection is open for use without restriction beyond the standard terms and conditions of Smith College Special Collections. However, by agreement with the YWCA of the U.S.A., microdexes known to contain financial records or personal health information (usually on job applications) were not digitized and/or not published in our online repository as part of the CLIR Digitizing Hidden Collections grant. These microdexes may still be accessed on the original microfilm, and digital files may be made available to individual researchers upon request.
To the extent that it owns copyright, YWCA of the USA has retained copyright in its works donated to Smith College, but has has authorized Smith College Special Collections to grant permission to publish reproductions or quotations from the records on its behalf. Copyright in other items in this collection may be held by their respective creators. For reproductions of materials that are governed by fair use as defined under U. S. Copyright Law, no permission to cite or publish is required. For those few instances beyond fair use, or which may regard materials in the collection not created by YWCA of the USA, researchers are responsible for determining who may hold materials' copyrights and obtaining approval from them. Researchers do not need anything further from Smith College Special Collections to move forward with their use.
Religion, Sophia Smith Collection of Women's History, MS 00324, Smith College Special Collections, Northampton, Massachusetts.
Box 3: Series 1; Series 2; Series 3, Reel 239
smith_ssc_324_r239_m002