The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1901-10-10
An Important Law of the Church
which Relates 10 the SOIemni-
zntiOn of Marriage.
NOW GOES TO THE DEPUTIES
BOSTON CHOSEN As PLACE OF MEET
ING THREE YEARS HENCE.
Committee Appointed TO Consider
Change of Nnme-Americnn Board
of Foreign Missions.

SAN FRANCISCO, oct. 9.-The action OF
greatest importance taken to-day by the
triennial Episcopal convention was the
adoption by the House OF Bishops by a
vote Of 81 10 p of Canon IS. which relates
TO the solemnization OF marriage. All or It's
provisions had previously been argued. ex-
cept those contained in Section 4. which
fcrbids the marriage Of persons divorced
for any cause not existing before marriage.
For any cause not existing before mar
riage" is understood TO refer 10 such causes
as insanity, inability to execute a contract.
the existence OF a living wife or husband
or like reasons. which practically render
the marriage null and void. This section
has been bone Of contention, a strong
element in the church holding that the re-
marriage of the innocent party to divorce
granted on the ground OF infidelity should
not be forbidden. The bishops however. re-
fused TO accept this view OF the matter.
The question is by no means settled, as
the whole subject is now to come UP in
the House Of Deputies, where it is expected
to cause a protracted debate. The canon.
as finally passed by the House OF Bishops
reads:
Canon 36: OF the Solemnization Of Matri-
mOny-The sOlemnization OF matrimony IN
this church in which the mutual consent OF
each party entering into this state OF life
Is given IN the presence OF "A minister. who.
having pronounced, in the name Of the
Holy Trinity 10 be man and wife. invOkcs
the Divine blessing upon their union.
- The requirements of the laws OF the
State regarding the conditions fer the civil
contract OF marriage shall in all cases be
carefully observed before the marriage is
soemnized.
-. No minister shall solemnize the mar
riage OF ANY person who is A minor under
the law OF the place of marriage, unless the
parent or guardian of such minor is present
and consenting, or shall have given written
consent 10 the marriage or is permanently
resident in a foreign country. No minister
shall solemnize marriage except in the
presence Of at least two witnesses. the min
lister or the witnesses being personally ac-
quainted with the parties. Every minister
shall. without delay, formally record IA the
proper register the name. age and residence
of each party. Such record shall be- signed
by the minister who performs the cere-
mony, and. IL practicable. by the married
parties, and by at least two witnesses OF
the marriage.
- No minister shall sOicmnize = mar
riage between any two persons unless. nor
until by inquiry he shall have satisfied
himself, that neither person has been or is
the husband or the wife OF any other per-
son then living. unless the former marrias Sc
was annulled by decree of some civil
court for cause existing before such former
marriage.
The bishops have yet 10 consider Canon
81 providing for the discipline of persons
marrying after having been divorced. This
will also cause lively discussion.
Another important feature OF the work
OF the House of Bishops to-day was the
appointment or a committee OF five TO act
with similar committees of priests and Law
mon. constituting a joint committee OF
fifteen, in considering the proposed change
in the name OF the church. The committee
has no power 10 act. but Is To report its
findings at the General Convention to be
held in Boston in 1891
The House Of Deputies adopted the re-
port Of the joint committee on marginal
readings, after agreeing TO amendment
eliminating those readings which are orig
NAL with the committee. The vote on the
main proposition as amended was:
Clerical-Neas. - dioccses; nays, 6
| diOceses; divided. !.
Lay-Yeas. a diocescs; nays. dioceses;
divided, dloceses.
The report as amended will now go back
20 the House Of Bishops for action on the
amendment. The House of Deputies will
to-morfoW take up the canon on marriage
and divorce
Both houses unanimously selected Bos-
ton as the place for holding the next tri-
ennial convention.
special committee or the House OF
Deputies submitted resolutions in regard 10
the death of President Mckinley. which
were unanimously adopted 10y a standing
vote. The resolutions follow.
Resolved. That the general committee OF
the Protestant Episcopal Church. meetin &
In the city OF San Francisco, hereby records
| It's feeling Of deep regret that so dastardlv
| a crime resulted in the death of our chief
magistrate. William Mckinley. and expires
| zion OF hope that this common sorrow may
unite our people in bond that may tend
| more and more TO exalt our government IN
! truth and justice. Second that the guilt Of
| his assassination IS aggravated from the
| fact that II il menace 10 the American
| idea Of law and respect for the country s
| rulers. Third. that We appreciate the con-
Scientious ability OF his public service. the
/ beauty Of his private life aud the noble
| seDse OF his great faith. Re IL further
| Resolved. That a copy OF these resou-
lions be forwarded TO Mrs. Mckinley and
/ TO the Congress of the United States"
| 4 general reception TO the delegates was
| given tonight ct the Mark Hopkins In
| stitute Of Art. II was largely attended
| and was one OF the most brilliant social
| functions ever held in this city.
| The headquarters Of the Womcn's Auxil-
| iaTy was throngcd all day>with strangers
| as well residents OF the city. many OF
| whom were attracted by the fine display o.
work exhibited by the missions of all
| lands.
The first sessions OF the Girls Friendly
| Society were held to-day at 81. Luke's
Church.