The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1895-06-21
CHURCH UNITY.

The League OF Catholic Unity has been
formed in New York for the purpose of
has thus far been participated in by men
prominently connected with seven de-
nominations, viz. Baptist, Congrega-
tional, Methodist Episcopal, Protes.
tant Episcopal, Lutheran, Dutch
Reformed and Presbyterian. Among
the signers OF a statement drawn up to
send to clergy and laity are President
Andrews of Brown University, Rev. Il. @.
Moore of the Central Congregational
Church and Rev. William Chauncey Lang
don of Providence Among the other
signers are some of the best known men
In several denominations including Rev.
Philip S. Moxom of New York, Rev. DIR.
George Dana Boardman of Philadelphia,
Rev. Dr. Samuel Il. Herrick of Boston,
Dr. George w. Smith, president of Trinity
College, Rev. DIR. Edward Abbott of Cam
bridge, Rev. DIR. William II Huntington
OF New York, Rev. DIR. II !. II. McKim of
Washington, Professor Charles A. Briggs
of New York, Rev. DIR. Charles Cuthbert
Hall OF Brooklyn.
This circular is especially important, as
1t probably marks the beginning of a
movement toward Christian unity, and |
the abolition of sects in Professionalism |
that may lead to great results. 1t is GER
tainly OF enough general interest to war
rant somewhat liberal quotation from it:
In Wow Of the acknowledged evils of a
divided Christondom, and in view, also, OF
the growing desire for church unity, we, |
whose names are subscribed, dovoutly seeking
the Divine guidance and blessing, hereby as
sociate ourselves "A league for the promo.
tion OF Catholic unity.
without detaohing ourselves from the Christ.
ian bodies to which we severally belong, or
intending TO compromise our relations thereto,
or seeking 10 interfere with other efforts for
Christian unity, we accept, as worthy Of the
most thoughtful consideration. tho four prin.
ciples OF church unity proposed by the bishops
Of the Protestant Episcopal Church at Chi.
cago, in 1850, and amended by the Lambeth
Conference Of 1888, as follows: Cardinal
principles:
"First-The Holy Scriptures of the Old and
New Testament, as containing all things
necessary TO salvation,' and "a being tho rule
and ultimate standard Of faith.
"Second-The Apostles Creed, as the bap- |
tismal symbol and the Nicene Crood, rs the
sufficient statement of the Christian faith.
"Third-The two Sacramonts ordained by |
Christ Himself: Baptism and Supper Of tho
Lord, administered with unfailing use of
Jhrist's words of institution, and Of the ele-
nents ordained by Him.
FOURTH - The historic Episcopate, locally |
adapted in tho methods Of its administration
% the varying needs Of the nations and
peoples called of God into the unity of His
hurch."
We believe that upon tho basis of these four |
as articles of agreement the unifica.
ion of tho Christian denominations of this
ountry may proceed, cautiously and steadily.
Without any alteration Of thor existing
tandards of doctrine. polity and worship, |
which might not reasonably be made in a
pirit OF brothorly love and harmony, for tho
AXE of unity and for the furtherance of all
be great ends of the Church Of Christ on
arth.
We do not, at this time, design to enter
nto any discussion of the wisdom or suf-
cheney of the basis for working toward
hristian unity, adopted by this body of
Iergymen. 1t is a matter of the first
Importance and deepest interest that such
move has been made. 1t ought to be
productive of widespread
nd earnest discussion, opening the way
'r practical results. {