The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1900-05-02

dist Episcopal church meets today in
the city of Chicago 1t Is the twenty
third quadrennial session, and will prob
ably be one of the most notable meet
ings of this ecclesiastical body ever held.
Perhaps the only conference equaling it
In Importance was that of 1874, which
requested Bishop Andrew to refrain
from performing the duties of his Of
flee until his wife had disposed OF her
slaves and the bishop had thus ceased
to be morally, II not in the eyes of the
law, a STAKEHOLDER. The delegates from
the Southern states resented this ac-
ton on the part Of the conference. and
In the interest of peace a plan of sep
aration was adopted as a result Of which
the Methodist Episcopal Church South
was organized in 1916, and more than
100000 members left the parent body.
One OF the most important actions OF
the conference this year will be the
granting of equal powers to the laity by
the ministers, who at present consti-
tute two thirds of the general confer
ence. and can practically control 1t. This
is the result of a movement begun more
than thirty years ago. An amendment
to the constitution Is to be proposed and
will be adopted by which equal repre-
sentation is to be given to laymen. There
will be no opposition to this amend
ment. which has already received the
constitutional two-thrds vote Of the
ministers Of the church. A question may
visional lay delegates already elected in
anticipation Of the adoption Of the
amendment. The almost unanimous
opinion is that these provisional dele
gates ought to be and will be admitted
to the conference, but this action is op-
posed by small and influential minor
ity, among whom is Bishop Merrill. the
highest judicial authority in the church
and the presiding officer Of the confer
ence.
The organization having been perfect
ed, one of the important matters for
consideration will be a proposed In
crease in the number of bishops and the
determination of their jurisdiction. Ow-
ing to the death of Bishop Newman and
the impaired health or advanced age OF
other bishops. the opinion has prevailed
that at least three and perhaps four new
bishops should be chosen. 1t is possible
that missionary bishoprics may be done
away with and the constitution amend
ed so as to permit of the election OF
bishops with limited Jurisdiction and
service. Bishop Merrill proposes to
strike out the restrictive rule relating
to missionary bishops. and substitute
a general power 20 select bishops OF lim-
tied jurisdiction for service among peo-
Piles of other languages or other races
in the United states and In foreign
countries This would enable the church
to comply with the wishes Of Ameri-
cans who are foreign born and would
bring about a settlement of the prob
lem which has arisen out OF the desire
Of some 100000 colored Methodists for
a bishop OF their own race.
Among the matters which win pro-
woke more or less discussion are the
time limit OF pastors and the amuse-
ment question. Under the present law
no pastor may remain In charge of one
church for more than FIVE years. al
though he may be reappointed after an
interim Of FIVE years. II ia said that a
majority OF the laity would prefer a
return 10 the former shree-year limit.
but there is some demand. especially
from the metropolitan churches, that
the limit be removed altogether. The
matter % discipline as Il relates to
smusements. such as attending the
aters, horse races, cirouses, dances and
card parties, viii also be brought for
ward by the city churches. which ask
for the elimination or modification OF
restrictions in those matters. The de-
bates on these questions OF conduct
promise to be interesting. but the senti-
ment seems to be that more harm would
be done by changing the rule than by
permitting 1t TO stand as ii is. II Is
probable, therefore, that the opponents
OF elimination will prevail.
incidentally there may be discussion