RPW Statement 3/4/66 Searchable Text

Statement, Meeting for SNCC, Boston, March 4, 1966

I cannot accept what I take to be certain implications
of the statement issued by the staff of the Student Nonviolent
Coordinating Committee on January 6, 1966.  But SNCC is a 
very fluid organization, emphasizing freedom and spontaneity,
and such a statement can scarecely, as I take it, be regarded
as a body of doctrine, a definition of orthodoxy, a catechism,
or even aprogram -- certainly not as a sort of Thirty-Nine Articles
to be sworn to.

Further, the very fact of my disagreement should set in bolder
relief my adniration for the valorous and sacrifician history 
of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee in 
recalling us, as a nation, to the fundamental principles of
equality and justice on which this nation professes to be 
founded.  But the syruggle for decency in our national life
which called SNCC into being is, as we all know, far from
over, and the need we have for the qualities of SNCC for the
future is greater than the need we have had in thepast.

                                    Robert Penn Warren
                                    Stratton, Vermont, March 4, 1966