The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-01-24
ACTION OF METHODISTS
OFFICIAL REPORT OF THE JOINT
COMMISSION ON FEDERATION.
Agre0aAent Between the Churches of
the North and South as to Work,
Territory and other Matters.

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn, Jan. 23.-The
following official report of the action Of the
joint commission of federation appointed
by the general conferences of the two
Episcopal Methodisms, which met at Balti-
more recently, was given out to-day by the
secretary, DR.. r. j. Cooke, editor of the
Methodist Advocate.
After an elaborate discussion covering
several davs' conferences the Joint commit
tee finally agreed on the following resolu-
tons, the exact language of which and
particulars explanatory will be given here
after, as provided for by the joint commits
sion.
"First-That the general conferences of
the two churches be recommended to order
the preparation of common catechism,
hymn book and order of public worship for
both churches
''Second-While recognizing the value and
growth OF the Epworth League from the re-
spective churches and rejoicing in the spirit
of fraternity manifested in their biennial
any legal provision for it, it is suggested
to the general conferences the propriety of
recognizing and regulating it by legal pro-
''Third-That the general conferences of
the respective churches be recommended to
adopt measures for the joint administra-
ton of their publishing interests in China
and Japan.
"Fourth-That while approaching fully
the Christian comfy prevailing among our
missions in foreign lands and having given
careful consideration to the principle and
desrability of cooperative administration
as a means for lessening the expenditure
of funds in the prosecution of the work,
the commission, without attempting to
formulate any plan for such cooperation,
commend the subject to the consideration
of the two general conferences
''Fifth--It was further agreed for the pre-
vention of hurtful competition that in places
where either church is established and sup
plying the needs of the people, new work
shall not be organized by the other church
without consent of the bishop having juris-
diction.
''Sixth-The following with reference to
Christian education was adopted:
Resolved first. this expression should
take such practical form as will increase
the efficiency of our higher institutions of
learning; second that the years 1900 and 1901
should be the period for the presentation
of the subject of higher education to all
our people and of their gifts to the cause
third, that it is the imperative duty of the
Protestant church to provide in the city
of Washington university, Christian
catholic. tolerant and American, having for
its sole aim postgraduate and professional
study and original research. and that the
fidence and benefactions of the people in
all our churches.
I'VE, therefore. recommend that the
claims of this institution be commended to
both churches for special contributions dur
ing the closing year of the present and the
opening year of the coming century. We
also agreed to recommend to the general
conferences of the two churches provision
for the reception of ministers from one
church to the other without loss of orders
in ministerial standing.