From 1962: Catholics To Be Given Anti-Bias Pledge Cards

The following article is from 50 years ago, published in the Hartford Courant on April 29th, 1962.
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The housing covenant against discrimination in housing will be the subject of a letter to be read in Catholic churches in the Greater Middletown area today.

Pledge cards covering the covenant also will be distributed and parishioners will be asked to sign them if they wish.

The Rt. Rev. Msgr James J. Wilson, pastor of St. Francis of Assisi Church, said Saturday the letter was sent to all parishes in this city, Portland and Cromwell. Mrgr. Wilson was assigned to write the pastoral letter by the Most Rev. Vincent J. Hines, bishop of Norwich.

The covenant known as the "Greater Middletown Open Housing Covenant" was drafted by the city's Interfaith Committee and has been actively supported by the Northern Middlesex Council of Churches. The council has been actively supported by the Northern Middlesex Council of Churches. The council has been active since last October in securing signatures to the agreement.

Signing of the covenant is voluntary. The signer indicates his belief that all persons "have the moral and legal right to rent, buy or build a home anywhere without restrictions which are based upon race, religion or national origin.

Msgr. Wilson said the principles of the housing covenant are in accord with Catholic doctrine and added that Catholics should be ready to support these. He added that the invitation to sign the pledge will be completely voluntary with the parishioner.