The New York herald., 1873-11-30
THE EPISCOPAL SECESSION.

The Case OF Bishop Cummins-He Pro-
poses TO Form a New Church-Impor-
tant Action OF the Board on bishops.
The secession of Bishop Cummins from the Prot
estant Episcopal Church and the probable forma-
ton OF new sect OF Episcopalians are at present
the subject OF great interest in the religious world.
meeting is to be held In this city next week, at
which it is expected that Dr. Cheney and number
OF disaffected clergymen aud laynen from the West
viii attend and organize new and powerful
Church, drawing on many Low Churchmen The
Church itself, however, has not been Idle. few
days since an informal meeting OF bishops was
held in this city to consider the course
best to be pursued in regard to Bishop Cummns.
1t was composed OF those bishops residing IN and
near New York. and the subject OF Bishop Cum
Minis withdrawal was thoroughly discussed at
this meeting and some very positive steps were
decided to be taken in the matter
The following was the programme agreed on at
this meeting g:-The Standing Committee OF the Dio-
cese, with which the seeding Bishop was con-
nected shall notify the presiding Bishop OF his
abandonment OF the communion of the
Church. Notice shall then be given
to the seeding Bishop, ana at the
pration OF six months lr ON such notice he shall
be deposed, unless in the meantime, he shah deny
the alleged tact OF his abandonment OF the COM
tract his abandonment, 1t is left to the discretion
OF the presiding Bishop whether to institute fur
ther proceedings.
Yesterday afternoon another meeting, formal
one, was held IN the vestry room OF Grace church,
to take into consideration the matter OF the with
drawal OF Bishop Cummns from the Episcopal fold
The bishops were summoned by special message
the DAY before by order OF the presiding Bishop,
the emergency was deemed serious.
The deliberations OF the meeting were conducted
in profound secrecy and whatever result may have
been arrived at has, so far been Kept quiet; but it
Is understood that the preates summoned to the
conference by Bishop Smith, OF Kentucky, the pre-
Bishop Potter, OF New York; Bishop Littleohn, OF
Long Island; Bishop Odcnheimer, OF New Jersey;
Bishop Stevens Of pennsylvania, and one other.
The nam questi0nfo. be brought up tnat OF
the formal deposition or Bishop CumInins, VINO
until such action is taken is de jre bishop still.
said IN clerical quarters that there ~ feeling
among certain OF the bishops in favor OF deposing
DR.. Cummins without according him the six
months notice which the canon requires, trusting
that the House OF Bishops at the next general
convention will Justify this action.
Bishop Cummins has addressed a letter to
numerous clergymen. which concludes as fOllows:--
on Tuesday, the I'd day OF December, 1873, meeting
will be held in Association Hall of Twenty third
street and Fourth avenue in the city OF New York.
the basis Of the Prayer Book of l7s5a basis broad
enough to embrace all who hold the faith delivered
to the saints that aith is maintained by the reformed
churches of ChristendoIn, with no exclusive and
churching dogmas toward Christian brethren who differ
from them in their views OF poliy and church order
This meeting you are cordially and afectonately in
ganize and not discuss the expedicncy organizing.
The verbatim reprint Of the Prayer Book of 7S5 is in
press and will be issued during the month of December
May the Lord guide you ana us by His Holy SPIRIT
GEORGE DAVID CUMMINS