Is there anything that a group of individuals can do to stop the continuing erosion of the Lord's Day? Last summer a group of clergy representing 23 denominations from one area of Allegheny County decided to take a stand and speak out.

The group signed a declaration that was sent to a variety of local organizations. The declaration made the front page of the local paper and drew widespread support.

Alan Trafford, pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Tarentum, in commenting about the effort, said, "Given that this call for affirmation of the value of the Lord's Day was issued over a relatively small area and that the degree of unanimity achieved was so great, it should certainly be regarded as an encouraging sign."

The following is the declaration that was produced by the Allegheny Valley Ministerium:

There is a growing awareness of the need to build and strengthen community and family values in our society. Let us also recognize the need to build and strengthen spiritual values in our communities.

These values are not mutually exclusive. Nurturing and strengthening an awareness of God supports those community and family values we cherish and favor.

Why, then, are various organizations in competition for the attention of our children and our young people? Why not mutually support all activities, programs and institutions that build and affirm family and spiritual values? Why force parents and their children into a no-win decision between spiritual formation and community activities?

With a sense of cooperation, the clergy of the A-K Valley are requesting all musical, drama and athletic programs to reserve Sunday from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. for spiritual value formation in worship, and to affirm the rights of children and adults to participate in religious activities without penalty. We commend those area school districts that reserve these hours and hope that other groups will adopt a similar position.

As a caring community, we can support and cooperate with each other as we all strive to better serve and benefit the families of the A-K Valley!

Among the organizations that responded favorably to the letter was the Highland Area Soccer Club, whose president, Michael Fodi, said, "Our club is committed to supporting the development of children who play on our teams. We believe that children need to grow in many ways, and we do not wish to interfere with scheduled religious activities.