The herald., 1898-01-24
May Follow Action Taken
at Baltimore
JOINT COMMISSION REPORT
OUTLINING ACTION DEEMED
DESIRABLE
wssps Taken Toward Union Of the Two
Great Branches of the Meth
odist Church
Associated Press Special Wire

Associated Press Special Wire
CHATTANOOGA. Tenn, Jan. 2s.-
The following official report Of the ac-
tlon of the joint commission on fedora
ton appointed by the general confer
ence OF the two Episcopal Methodist
branches, which met at Baltimore re-.
Gently, was given to the Associated
Press today by the secretary, DR.. r. j.
Cooke, editor of the Methodist Advo-
cate.
After an elaborate discussion cover
Ing several days conference, the joint
committee finally agreed upon the fol-
lowing resolutions, the exact language
and particulars explanatory Of which
will be given hereafter, as provided for
by the joint commission:
First-That the general conference of
the two churches be recommended to
order the preparation of a common cate
chism, hymn book and order Of public
worship for both churches.
Second--While recognizing the value
and growth of the Epworth league from
the respective churches, and rejoicing
in the spirit Of fraternity manifested in
their biennial international conference,
in the absence of any legal provision for
1t, 1t Is suggested to the general con-
ference the propriety of recognizing and
regulating 1t by legal provisions.
Third-That the general conferences
Of the respective churches be recon-
mended to adopt measures for the joint
administration Of their publishing inter-
ests both in China and Japan.
Fourth-That, while appreciating
fully the Christian comfy prevailing
among our missions in foreign lands,
and having given careful consideration
to the principle and desirability of CO.
operative administration as means for
lessening the expenditure of funds in
the prosecution Of the work, the COM
mission may. without attempting to
formulate any plan for such co-opera-
tion, commend the subject to the con-
sideration of the general conference.
Fifth-It was further agreed, for the
prevention Of hurtful competition, that
in places where either church is estab-
lished and supplying the needs of the
people, new work shall not be organized
by the other church without the con-
sent Of the bishop having jurisdiction.
Sixth-The following, with reference
to Christian education. was adopted:
Resolved: First-That this expression
should take such practical form as will
increase the efficiency Of our higher in
stitutions Of learning.
Second--That the years 1900 and 1901
should be the period for the presenta-
tion of the subject of higher education
to all our people, and OF their gifts to
the cause.
Third-That 1t Is the imperative duty
Of the Protestant church to provide in
the city of Washington a university,
Christian, catholic, tolerant and Amer
dean, having for its sole aim post-grad-
uate and professional study and original
research, and that the American uni
versity is worthy of the confidence and
benefactions Of the people in all our
churches.
We therefore recommend that the
claims of this institution be commended
to both churches for special contribu-
tions during the closing year of the pres
'ent and the opening year of the coming
century.
We also agree 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.