The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-10-15
RELIGIOUS MATTERS.
Interesting Debate the Proposed Change
of Name of the Episcopal Church.

of Name of the Episcopal Church.
CHICAGO, Oct IA The Episcopal convention,
to-day was mainly occupied with discussion of
the resolution proposing q change of the name of
the church from the Protestant Episcopal to
THE Church." or to American Catholic
Church" Rev. Phillips Brooks. of Boston, said
the subject was the most important before the
convention 1t was more important than the
subject of the revision of the Prayer book. He
was in favor of the retention of the present
name, and saw no reason why the
name should be disturbed. The object
OF the change proposed was to declare
that they were the distinctive church,
and were the exclusive Representatives of Jesus
Christ in the land. and the only authorized adj
ministrators Of the faith There were only two
possible reasons that would justify the church
in taking any one of the names proposed. 1t
was possible that the church might declare itself
the one great church Of the land, but would not
its own comparative insgnifcance as religious
body in this Christian land make such a claim
absurd9 In relation to its work, could it claim
such a predominance as would sweep
all other bodies into itl Could
the church stand before the land
tntonsY Was it not rather in association
with the Church of Englandl Was it the only
church identified with the spirit OF the institu-
lions of this country? It seemed to him that it
was provoking testimony against itself by claim
ing for itself the name of American. It could
not advance any grand claim to be the church of
America in representing the spiritual life of the
country. It was only upon the as
Ssrtion that it was the possess
or Of apostolic succession, as the
mF1h nd IF ho M tha
shat It could claim the proposed title. He did
not believe In the doctrine of apostolic success
sion as giving any such absolute right to the
Christian name. The name proposed had no
conceivable explanation, but making this theory
the central doctrine Of the church would ALLEVIATE
hundreds from 1t and would doom the church to
ruin, making it a fantastic sect, laying mas
culine hand upon the intellect and conscience of
the land.
Rev. DR. Charles Minnigerode, of Virginia,
and Rev Edwin Harwood of New Haven also
spoke against the change.
Rev. Dr. Frederick Courtney, of Boston, said
the future of the church depends upon its power
OF adapting itself TO the genius of America. He
thought the excision Of the name protestant
EpiscopaP from the title of the church was in
opposition to this genius
AT the opening of the afternoon session the
Rev. e. B. Spalding, Of California took up the
debate on the Judd resolutions He said it had
been his privilege to second similar resolutions
at Philadelphia, offered by Mr. judd and he
hoped, before his end came to see the church as
sumo her true title
The Rev. Greer of Rhode Island, claimed that
though the present name OF the church was, In
measure accidental. it was still more provi-
Dental appeation Had the Church of Rome
changedY Had the Episcopal Church changedY
If not, then there remained the same need of
protesting as in the past
At this juncture the house delayed few min
utes to determine if it should authoritatvely
smut on debate at certain hour, or have all the
e.. Il III
The house finally ordered, by vote of 1876 to
u.s. that the debate go on.
The Rev. j. j. Faude. of Indiana, said he did
not hesitate to declare that the spirit which gave
the name of Protestant Episcopal" should be
Fepudlated. 1t was a negative, Sinking, craven
spirit. He was not so saneuine about the great
accessions to the church from a change of name.
The point was to do the right, whether come
prosperity or failure.
Mr.. j. Packard, of Maryland, quoted certain
provincial acts of 1892 and 1717 to show that the
spirit which inspired the adoption of the name
was no craven one, but one most courageous and
sustained by people who stood by their convic
lions.
IRE Rev. B. A. Rogers, of Texas, maintained
that the attitude of those demanding change
was an arraignment of the reformation in Ger
many.
Rev. T. F. Gaior. of Tennessee. made good
impression In an eloquent speech, which was
characterized as progressively orthodox He
was inclined to favor change, and suggested
that if the pending proposition was adopted it
would have to lay over until another convention.
giving ample time to consider the name most ap-
plicable.
The Rev. DR.. Royce of Wisconsin. objected
to the present name, because he wanted the
church to have no hobby or be placed in the light
Of continually harping about the apostolic sue
session
Rev. Dr. Beers of California. favored the idea
of change, but not change at present. The
cine was not yet ripe. The great body of lay
men would be confused and worried over a
change just now. but at another convention, per-
haps, they would understand that it was short
Cut that was being taken to the truth.
Rev j. F. Girault, of Louisiana. and Mr.. W.
Beuet, Of South Carolina, both opposed change.
Mr. Beuet thought it as easy TO try to turn the
course of the Gulf stream as the course of pop
ular acceptation of any term Of the English
language.
The Rev. DIR. Hopkins, of Central Pennsylva-
pia, last claimed the floor. making some good
points for change He did not expect it at once,
however. It would take time Adjourned.
Tomorrow the convention will sit chiefly as
board of missions
Erea.Vili Rautiufa