Morning journal and courier. [volume] (New Haven [Conn.]) 1848-1894, 1886-11-12
FRATERNAL GREETING
From the state congregational Co
ference-The Episcopal Convention

From the state congregational Con-
ference-The Episcopal Conventions
Action Kec1procated.
One of the most interesting incidents of
the Congregatioralist conference held at
Hartford this week was the acknowledgment
of the fraterraI resolutions passed by the
great assembly of the Episcopal church held
recently in Chicago. This conference is the
first great meeting held since the Chicago as
sembly adjourned, and this response is the
first official and brotherly recognition of the
Episcopal olive branch. 1t is prepared by
DR.. Parker, of Hartford, and is model in it's
Christian spirit, in its comprehensiveness,
| and it's clear, simple, English style.
Whereas the bishops of the Protestant Episcopal
assembled, have recently put forth a message in
which they soemniy declare TO all whom it may
concern, and especially to their fellow Christians
of the different cUmnlunions in this land such
l. Their earnest desire that the Saviours pray er
for Christian unity may, in its deepest aud truest
q They believe that in all things of human order
ing or human choice relating to modes of worship
aud discipline or to traditional custolnes the church
which they represent is ready in the spirit love
and humility to forego all preferences OF her own
g. Their belief that the church for which they
speak does not seek to absorb other com.nuuons
but rather to cooperate with them on the basis of
common faith and order, TO discountenance schism
to heal the wounds of the body of Christ and to
promote that charity which is the chief of Chris
tan graces and the visible manifestation OF Christ
in the world.
l. Their grief at the sad divisions which af1ct
the Christian church in own land. and their de
sire and readins IS, so there shall be any
authorized respon2e to their declarations to enter
broJheriy conference with all any Christian
bodies seeking the restoration of the organic unity
81 tn %Ea WEIGH 10 so ene
might happily be brought to pass.
And whereas Furthermore, the aforementioned
brethren, bishops of the Episcopal church i'll this
land, have, in their same message, noted certain
principles of unity which tbey believe to be the
substantial deposit OF faith and order committed by
Christ and lis apostles to t church for all time
and have defined as Inherent parts Of this sacred
ton of unity among the divided branches of
hs 6oy serpnr Of R Sid AND New res
lament as the revealed word OF God
C2) The NiceCe creed as the sufficient statement
of the Christian ia tn.
(s) The two sacraments baptism and the sup2er
of the Lord, ministered with untailing use of
Christ's words OF institution, anG Of the elements
ordained by him.
methods of its administration to the varying needs
Of the nations and peoples called Of God into the
Now, therefore, in pursuance of what we believe
to be the mind of Christ in we, the delegates and
representatives of the Congregational churches OF
the State of Connecticut in State assem-
bed, do hereby render era eful and cordial re;
by reverend and beloved brethren as representing
large and loyal branch OF the Catholic church And,
tinguish and separate their general declaration
cipIes of un ty in the following esolutions:
Resolved 1. That as for the general declaration
made in the aforesaid message from the bishops of
the Episcopal church in this country, gladly
ceiye it as concerning heartily welcome it
as conceived and issued in the spirit of
Lori and as betok4ning the approach of a brighter
and better day for the whole church, we earnestly
reclprocate both its courteous kindly and fraternal
spirit and the desires and sentiments which it
presses; and we devoutiy give thanks to our COM
mon Heavenly Father that he has put it il to the
hesrts of our beloved brethren to send forth such
message of peace
Resolved, 2 That for the four principles de-
fined In the aforesaid message essential to res
toratiOn of unity glad in the full oel1ef that
all our churches substantially in agreemegt
with our Episcopal brethren as touching the arst
three of the our, to witt he holy scriptures, the
statement of Christian faith and the sacranlens at
least assured. and do hereby testify Joyfully,
that touching points there IS no oar TO
complete union between them and US.
AS touching the fourth prnciple-that OF the
historic episcopate-although we sre unable to
aer.e in it with our brethren OF t 10 Episcopal
church and are far from conviction of
its scriptural derivation, yea. and are
customed to regard it as note of division
rather than OF unity in the church. yet
we do not despair of some sufficient reconciliation
of orr diverse opinions this mt, but great
ly hope thereof by the general tenor of
tbis message Aud, finally and particularly, we
we.. me with great gadness IFS wise and gracious
suggestion of ''brctheriy conferences" with other
Christian bodies seeking the restoration of the unity
of the Christian church, among which bodies we
declare ourselves to be.
And thus we heartily. thankfully, hopefully and
prayerfuiy make response to our Episcopal breth-
rem wishing them the funess of Christ's blessing
In all their service of common Lord and Saviour