Typed letter from N.D. Pendleton to Rev. Homer Synnestvedt in Pittsburgh, PA, USA. Having recently returned from his trip south, Pendleton has received Synnestvedt’s letter of April 14th regarding the re-hiring of Celia (Bellinger) as a teacher in the Pittsburgh school. Synnestvedt believes he ought to debar himself from this decision because Celia is his sister-in-law. Pendleton states that Synnestvedt only needs to debar himself if he feels he cannot make an unbiased decision, in which case, he should refer the matter to his pastoral council. Pendleton does not believe this is a very serious matter since good teachers are difficult to find and Vida (Gyllenhaal) will not be returning to teach at the school next year anyway. Responding to Synnestvedt’s concerns about democracy in this decision, Pendleton writes, “. . .the democracy so luminously advocated by President Wilson does not involve the idea of the rule of others than those who are in official positions.” He continues, “This democracy does however require the free consent and reciprocal reaction of the governed. I believe that we may and should have this sort of democracy even in our Church.” Pendleton hopes the difficulties with the Pittsburgh school will be resolved shortly. Names mentioned: Celia (Bellinger), President (Woodrow) Wilson, Vida (Gyllenhaal)