New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1890-06-08
THE SYNOD AT ASBURY PARK.
LEGIsLATING FOR THE REFORMED CHURCH
IN AMERICA.
Projected UNION OF THE TWO REFORMED DE-
NoMINATIoNS-THE PLAN INVOLVES
SPECIES Of FEDERALISM.

| NoMINATIoNs-THE PLAN INVOLVES A
SPECIES Of FEDERALISM.
Asbury Park. June GpeciaD-The members oil
the General synod of the Reformed Church in America
have received many kilograms to-day cOngrasulating
them upon their Endorsement yesterday OF the proposed
union Of their denomination with the Reformed Church
in the United states, and wishing them Godspeed In
the work OF joining the two Churches together Every
clerical ard lay delegate voted in favor Of the pro
posed union but four. These stated that they did
not favor the union because they could not what
practical benefit It would be to either Of the de-
nominations Presbyterian clergymen who are attend
inG the session OF the Synod say the union of the
| branches Of the Reformed Church will undoubtedly
hasten the proposed union OF the several branches
OF their Church. The ministers Of the Methodist Epis
copal Church believe II will also have considerable
erect In bringing about REUNION OF the Northern
and Southern branches OF that denomination. To
day the members Of the Synod received dispatches
quetns them to forward copies Of the report presented
Yesterday upon the proposed union. This report
was signed by the Rev. Drs. william J. r. Taylor,
John A. De Baum, Joachim Elmendorf and Charles.
and Elders John De Mott and Henry W. Bookstaver.
Inc salient points OF the report are as follows:
In April the Joint committee OF the two Churches met
In New-fork 1t was finally decided TO recommend
what may be designated a federal union OF two
Reformed Churches in a new judicatory, composed OF
delegates from each Of the Churches and clothed with
such powers as might be designated in the act of union.
This supreme judlcatOry should be constituted 10
give due representation but undue predominance,
TO either OF the heretofore separate denominations,
should have ultimate authority In matters pertaining 10
tne establishment Of new missions domestic and foreign
the establishment Of educational Institutions Of
the superior grades and the several interests Of
lg2us publications, but not to Interfere authoratively
with existing missions. educational institutions or
publications. until, unless, freely committed to it
by those under whose control they now exist. 1t
might have power to advise TO computations and
other notifications Of existing missions Or educational
institutions, otc and further might consider advise
ana recommend in whatever matter 1t might Judge TO
be- or the welfare and advancement Of the Iedeemer
tcrs expressly committed 70 it by the constitution by
when II would be creaef or freely surrendered 10
IL by the constituent denominations in the union
such a federal organic union would leave room for
and perhaps invite to membership In 1t other Presby
teTi1 Reformed Churches now with Us IN faith and
order thus looking forward to national and per
hap' inernationa' Reformed Church, including all OF
Ike faith and order.
IN their own action upon this question your com
mt'ee have been g)vcrntd mainly. by the facts and
argument' for union which are set forth in the printed
volume Of Proceedings OF the Conference held In
philadelphia in lass. More extended study Of the
whole subject has convinced rs that If happy federal
union were forded under the constitution somewhat like
tie union OF the States with the General Government
Of the United states, it would promote the Vital In
tcreots Of the contracting parties strengthen the
bonds o; the Reformed Churches IN orr land, and lead
10 TN greater unions OF churches holding the same
essential fth and poty and called TO the same
aggressive and widening Christ like work.
10 - -, between our two Reformed Churches the case
venerable name. the same Iicdebergh catechIsm the
same system OF church government. the same Sara
have the brthrigt of New Testament privileges
and honors coming us llncaly through the struggles
and triumphs and legaricS Of the Reformation. For
eighty years our Church the foster-mOther Of this
division i, almost entirely on parallel lines OF latitude
our eynodS and classes only touch each other without
colldins. we are already practically united In mis-
slous IN Japan are actually united in the Alliance
- "iormcd Churches holding the Presbyterian system
"" represent the common faith 10 the myrlads Of
Immigrants who have come and coming from the
mother lands. II united We would have peculiar
acitc, and opportunities for home missionary work
reaching ont from the Atlantic to the Pacific coast.
the power and possibilities Of very large national
c0nnca Ne Wond TINS 81 Hake prStra i' and f
exemplary manifestation Of living. realistic Christian
Thee arguments are the urgent. in view
Of the contomporincous movements toward organized
M.,tan ana Chnrch union which Characterize these
INK Is widely a, the church Of England and the
Protestant Episcopal Church in this country. have
rally indeed. toward their brethren of Presbyterian.
Conversational and Reformed churches. feeling after
'ouc common ground Of practical fellowship IN faith
nnd practice. But none II these approximations are
near to each other these two Reformed Churches
are 20 day and therefore none arc more in bonds for
Cnr.,'' sake to put away their differences. and to
For these reasons We believe that Plan Of Union
can be prepared Which VIII sacrifice no principles
u the truth which VIC have received OF the Lord
through orr forcfathcr, and which Will not involve
;hc least invasion II trust funds corporate rights and
Institutional Interests 1t would De federal union. not
fusion not absorption. not loss 81 Individual eccles
a,c IDENTITY. II would leave each Church to follow It's
rs may be mutually conceded for the common welfare
4 The united Church under it, organic constitutional
law
Tho problems and difficulties attending the formation
~ such union have been carefully discussed By the
iont committees. We believe that they be solved
satisfactorily by candor patience and generous and
Just consideration and adjustment Of the rights,
pry and liberties which essential 10 lasting
and growing union. And these will he best promoted
hy personal and official hrOthcry intercourse. and by
that fellowship in the service Of Chris, and His Church
~ which Your committee have had Oretate in these
as; three ycar' o: conference with their brethren Of
the sister Church. Hut should these efforts fail.
fear BE- may hc for long time hence II not until the
Willcunia sun shall streak the Eastern sky
The Rev. Or. !. Romeyn Berry. the president Of
the General synod. will appoint special commission
ncyt wce, to cooperate with the appointed last
by the General synod of the Reformed Church in
tho United states. This special commission VIII be
composed OF ten clercymen and six elders from the
Particular Synods Of New York. Albany, Chicago and
New Brunswick. The members Of the commission Will
he instructed prepare and TO present to the
General synod Plan Of Federal onion, in which the
autonomy. creed. cuuS and property OF both Churches
shall be kept intact and this branch Of the Church
shall have Ito Just and proper representation In the
government % the united Church The Reformed
Church Of America, thus united would number about
275.OOO communicates $4,000 baptized members,
. 100 churches. 1900 cergymen, twenty seats OF
learning with their varous Institutions. five publishing
houses orphans homes. and sustentaton funds. etc.
The name, Of the denomination will be the United
Reformed Churchs Of America.
.
Berton Sec