Archbishop Thomas A. Donnellan, in one of the strongest pleas for social justice issued since being installed 1 1/2 years ago, has called on pastors in the archdiocese to support the signing of pledges which remind us “that we are brothers with an obligation to assist each other in many areas of need in our communities.”

“The problems of schools, of good housing laws and of equal job opportunities must be solved justly if we are to experience a lasting peace throughout our country,” the archbishop said in a letter to all pastors.

The letter was in support of “Good Neighbor Pledges” which will be passed out in all archdiocesan churches on Feb. 22, Washington’s birthday and the end of Brotherhood Week.

The pledges, which all Catholics and members of other denominations in the five-county metropolitan area will be asked to sign, reads: “In these changing times, I pledge that I will be a good neighbor to all persons in my neighborhood, regardless of race, ethnic origin, religious faith or income.”

The 1,300 Christian ministers and 20 rabbis in the area have been sent letters requesting them to participate in the campaign, said Nat Welch, director of the Atlanta Community Relations Commission, which is sponsoring the drive, along with the National Council of Christians and Jews and the Atlanta Metropolitan Christian Council.

The Archbishop’s letter follows: Dear Father:

“The Christian Council of Metro Atlanta, the National Council of Christians and Jews, and the Atlanta Community Relations Commission, are sponsoring a GOOD NEIGHBOR PLEDGE campaign throughout the Metro area during Brotherhood Week, February 15-22. The final day of the campaign is Sunday, February 22, George Washington’s birthday. On that day, ministers throughout Atlanta are requesting their people to sign the pledge which appears below.

“The signing of this pledge is a reminder to each of us that we are brothers with an obligation to assist each other in many areas of need in our communities. The problems of schools, of good housing laws, and of equal job opportunities must be solved justly if we are to experience a lasting peace throughout our country.”

“I, therefore, ask you to bring this matter to the attention of your people at all Masses on Sunday, February 15. Please have the pledge mimeographed and signed, after all Masses, on Sunday, February 22. They should be collected by you and held in each parish until this campaign has ended.”

“Your cooperation in this matter will be deeply appreciated!”