Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1892-05-03
THE GOATS GET THERE
In the Lively Preliminary Skirmish
at the NJ. Z. Conference.
THE LAYNEN CAN SIT APART
So as Not to Be Mistaken for Ministers
During Debates.
NEW DEPARTURE IN CHURCH COUNCILS

OMAHA, NER, May 2.-The twenty
fourth quadriennial conference of the NJ. E
Church was called to order at Boyd's Opera
House this morning by Bishop Bowman.
DR.. S. Monroe was elected permanent secre-
tary. The entire morning session was de-
voted to discussion of the proposition to
seat the lay delegates separate from the
clergy. The question was still undecided
when the noon recess was taken.
During the discussion of the resolution
to seat the lay delegates by themselves
separate from the ministerial delegates, DR.
John Lenahan said he wished to congratu-
late the laymen upon the demand. He had
always believed that the laymen had been
at great disadvantage in sitting among the
ministers in the conference. He believed
that the laymen would have more influence
and power in the conference by being seated
separately. He believed that the ministers
would be pleased to have the laymen seated
separately, if they wished to have it So
Wanted Sheep and Goats Separated.
Mr. sinkle, of Kentucky, vigorously
combatted the idea of separate seating. "T
do not congratulate the laymen upon this
demand for separate seating" said MI.
Sinkle. '1 know that at the meeting we had
the other night II Of about 100 laymen
voted for the separate seating. They wanted
the sheep and the goats separated. Some
thought they should be called sheep and
lambs. Well, I want to plead for
the lambs. I want the laymen and
ministers seated together. want
the advice of the ministers, and I
ally from the laymen. If we are seated
separately, it will have the appearance of
antagonism. The Methodist Church is not
a divided body. 1t is one church for min
listers and laymen. If we laymen are
showed off in one corner we shall appear to
be interlopers when we go over to speak to
the ministerial delegates. I want equal
representation in the conference for the
laymen, remember, but 1 am opposed
to the separation of the lay and minis
terial delegates. Please, brethren, do not
separate the laymen from the ministers. I
don't want to be separated from the min
listers. I have never yet been advised in
General Conference to do a wrong thing by
a minister. hope, brethren, this resolu-
tion will not carry. 1t is a wrong step, and
we shall regret if the laymen and ministers
are separated"
Laymen Want to Be Placed on Equality.
Mr. Murray, of Central Pennsylvania, a
lay delegate, said they were glad to do
honor to the ministers, but they wanted to
be seated by themselves for the influence it
would give in the Conference. They had
lost their individuality heretofore, as 100
Iaymen had been interspersed between over
300 ministers One advantage the pro-
posed order of things would give would be
the possibility of comforting together. They
merely wanted to be placed on an equality
with the ministers.
Mr. Field, of Philadelphia, said that
there was no thought of arousing antagonism
between the laymen and the ministers. The
desire was to create closer union by plae-
ing the laymen where they could do the
most for the interests thew represented
Dr. j. M Buckley, editor of the Christian
Advocate of New York City, then took the
floor. He said the object Of giving the lay
men present representation in the Confer
ence was not to increase the size of the
body, but to secure the assistance of the
laymen in the framing of the laws of the
church. Had the laymen been given fair
chance to exercise equal power with
the ministers? DR.. Buckley thought
not He recounted the history of
the Conference legislation upon
the subject, and held that the laymen had !
been handicapped by failing to get separate
vote in the Conference when they had de-
manded it. 'tNine-tenths of the iaymen,"
said DIR. Buckley, "attend but one General |
but the ministerial delegates
usually go to Conference after Conference |
and the bishops who preside know them
The bishops are not acquainted with the |
aymen, and when they arise on the floor of |
The Conference along with half dozen !
ministers what Is the usual result? The |
presiding officer usually recognizes some |
ministerial delegate and the layman sits
town."
Separate Seats Granted the Kickers.
DR. Lewis Curtis, of Chicago, said that it |
vas simply question of privilege for the |
aymen, and not of compulsion If they |
ranted to sit by themselves the ministers
,ou1d not do less than to grant their re-
Iuest.
f. Root, of Buffalo, layman, spoke in
opposition to the separate seating scheme
de wished to see harmony and unity all
through, and he believed that separate seat
ng would result in a semblance at least of
liscord and lack of unity of purpose
Ex-Governor Evans, of Colorado, stated
omebody had evidently been scared before
hey were hurt. There seemed to be little
apprehension that they were not all MEM
,ers of the same church. He could not un-
Ierstand why the ministers were afraid that
he laymen think it wise to condemn a
hing just because it was proposed by lay
nan of the Conference. He hoped the min
sters would see that there was no danger
n it.
In long wrangle, during which many
and counter-motions were
l. tha Id Il. L..
delegates who so desired to select seats
eparate from the ministerial delegates
IN motion of Dr.. Putnam a section of the
lall was set apart for the lay delegates and
hen the choice of seats by lot was COM
nenced.
This lasted until 7:3O O'Clock in the even
ng, when the Conference adjourned before
he drawing of lots had been completed.
his evening the delegates were given re-
option by the Mayor and City Council.