The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1895-06-15

pOTL VI Iue OOuSTeSS III IueC ultdildH'
UNCONVENTIONAL Universalists and
Unitarians felt sure the Congress was
to be new sect and held aloof from
it from the beginning. The writer
differed from this view in holding its
character to be dependent on the
work it actually did. So far it was
not new sect but would become so
when it began organizing churches
which allied themselves to itself
rather than to any existing denomi-
nation. So far connection with the
Congress did not interfere with any
denominational relations. When it
began the active work of building
churches and associatipg them with
itself, then one could no longer work
Loyalty and earnestly with it and also
with his present denomination, but
must choose either to leave the old or
the new organization.
AS the reports showed, the Congress
has undertaken no work of organic
ing churches during the year and so
has not justified the fears of its OPP
ponents. But the local branch of the
Congress in Illinois has undertaken
to do this work, the Rev. A. N. Alcott
acting as its missionary. This action
seemed to the writer unwise at the
time on the ground that it would pro-
woke hard feelings on the part of the
denominations now in the field, and
such has been the case. Throughout
the year discussion has gone on in
the Board of Directors and without
as to the wisdom of this policy and
this it was which Mr. Judy really
spoke upon.
He took the ground that this policy
was mistake. If cooperation was
to come among the liberal denomina-
tons it must be by acton of the de-
nominations themselves, not by self
constituted body like heCongress act
ingfor them. He said it was natural to
believe that the existing organizations
would not be favorable to a rival
which proposed to take their work
out of their hands. The policy of
the Congress should be not to start
churches but to get the denominations
existing to take steps to federate and
work together. He offered the fol-
lowing resolutions:
WHEREAS, the policy of this Congress has not
heretofore been defined in way to place 1t I'M
mstakably before the public; therefore. be it
RESOLVED, First, That the aim and purpose
of the Congress is to bring about federation OF
the liberal denominations of America to state
the aim in other words to effect union of the
denominations as whole, not to build up new
organization out of their dismembered parts.
RESOLVED, Second. That to the end of effect
ing this federation convention should be called
whose object shall be to frame articles of union
which would recommend themselves to the de-
nominations for adoption in their organic capac-
ity.
RESOLVED, Third, That the Board of Direc-
tors be instructed to define more explicitly the
scope and purpose of this Convention. and to
take all needful steps toward determine G the
basis and condition of representation therein
RESOLVED, Fourth. That the Congress recog-
nzes that its presents form of organization is but
antecedent to this final state of union, and, in
the nature of things, destined to give way when
this truly representative basis of union has been
secured.
RESOLVED, Fifth. That pending the accomp-
lishment of this union, all missionary work will
be undertaken In ways least inimical to the
vigor and integrity of the denominations repre-
sented in the Congress.
RESOLVED, Sixth. That as better under
standing of the unanimity Of thought among us
is needful. every effort will be made to increase
the efficiency of our present annual meetings, to
disseminate the literature of our various COM
ponent denominations. and to maintain head
quarters where an adequate clerical force can be
employ ed to carry our purposes into effect.
RESOLVED. Seventh. and Last, That the board
of directors be instructed to bring these resolu-
lions before the national, sectional. and local
meetings of the liberal denominations. and in
every ObucT way pUsSiUlO obiifO w Saiiy eb sun
cessful issue what is the ultimate and under
lying purpose of this Congress, namely, the bring
ing of the liberal denominations of America into
strong and carefully planned federation.
Rev. L. j. Duncan of Streator In-
DEPENDENT upheld the present policy
of the Congress. DR.. Hirsch said the
Jews would all go out if it meant a
new denomination. That liberal
bodies had much in common but
much not common. DIR. Garfield
agreed with the ideas of Mr.. Judy
and said he adopted DR.. Hirsch's
speech, changing the word Jew to
Universalist. Rev. Jenkin Lloyd Jones
pleaded for the present basis of the
Congress on the ground that it was
more inclusive than any single de-
nomination. Rev. Mr.. Johonnot said
the Congress must drop the words
from its constitution which pledge
it to build non sectarian churches, if
it would succeed. 1t must contine
itself to such work as would not alien
ate the present denominations. Some