Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1899-02-24
Equal REPRESENTATION.
General Conference of the Methodist
Episcopal Church.

10 the Edit0r OF The Evening Star:
As is we'll known, this question had been
under consideration for many years prior
to the general conference which met in
Cleveland, Ohio, in May, 1896. The debate,
however. which occurred in that body when
a proposition was submitted to incorporate
equal ministerial ana lay representation
into the organic law of the church, as an
amendment to a draft Of constitution for
the church then under consideration,
aroused such an interest in the question
as has within the past year secured for it's
adoption a vote of 9.GGS for to 1,521 against
1t by the ministry. 1t now requires the ratf-
hcation of this action by a two-thirds vote
OF the general conference, which meets in
May, 1900. 1t is generally conceded that
this action will be promptly taken by that
body, thus providing for equal representa-
ton in 1904.
But in view of the large majority of the
ministry and laity favOring this change in
the composition of the law making body of
the church, and the fact that number
OF important questions affecting the pOlity
OF the church (among which may be men
TONED the ratio of representation in the
general conference in the future the adop-
ton and submission to the annual confer
ences for their action, of a constitution for
the church. and other measures of equal i'm
pCrtance), 1t is the desire of many promi-
nent ministers and laymen that such ac-
ton may be taken as will permit an equal
number of both classes to participate in
the deliberations of the general conference
OF 1890. While such action Is opposed by
some on the grounds that ii cannot be ac-
ccmpished as no lay electoral conference
can legally elect more than two delegates
the number provided for in the law as it
now stands-until the general conference
has ratified the action of the annual con-
ferences providing for equal representation.
This, of course. cannot be done in time for
the additional lay delegates to be elected
a az cd n raj IN fapap 40
meeting in May, 1900.
1t is proposed, however, TO elect the addi-
tiOnal lay delegates tentatively. believing
that the general conference will immedi-
ately after organization. ratify the action
of the annual conferences and admit and
seat the delegates thus elected. There is
nothing to prevent this course of action eX-
cept the irregularity in electing these dele
gates prior to the ratification by the general
conference of the action of the annual con-
ferences providing for such delegates. This
would seem. however, a more technicality
which would be more honored in the
breach than in the observance" under the
circumstances.
The Laymen's Association of the Balti-
more conference, Endorsed by an almost
unanimous vote of the ministry of their
conference a it's last session Gas to 49,,
claims to have exerted a potent influence
on the very gratifying vote given by the
ministry at large, during the past year in
favor OF equal representation.
The association will hold It's annual meet
ing in Broadway NJ. e. Church, Baltimore,
Md. on Friday. March q the annual con-
ference being in session in that city at that
time. There will be two sessions one at
10 am. and another at pm. Consratula-
tons the present status of equal repre-
sentation' will be In order, and resolu-
ton adopted, no doubt, expressing the
views of the association on the admission
of the additional lay delegates to the next
general conference. Three distinguished
speakers have been secured who will ad-
several
great interest to tine church large at
tendance is anticipated, and 1t is hoped
that any of the churches in Washington
that have not elected delegates, will do so
at once, as 1t is desired that every church
In the conference be represented. A. A.
February % 1899