The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1903-02-21
.PROTRAC'TED
STRUGGLE
Clergymen to oppose Pro-
posed Change Of Name.
THE ARGUMENTS OPENED
Avery Strong Paper from Rev. Or.
Carl e. arammer, Of Norfolk.
The Views Of the
Churchman.

Il II
Signs are already developing Of a lively
nn6 protracted fight In the Protestant
Episcopal Church In the United States
over tho proposed change In the name OF
the denomination, a matter mooted at the
last trlennial convention and to be- set
tied at the next.
virginians Will oppose the measure Wig
orously, and are Just beginning to come
out on the question. The Southern
Churchman. the organ of this diocese.
will take no uncertain stand. In It's issue
which has Just appeared there is con-.
tanned from the pen OF one OF the best
known clergymen in tho State strong
article against the innovation, to which
article the paper gives It's very decided
approval. This is the first important pub
lica ton made in connection with the mat
ter, and 1t will serve to throw the ques-
ton into the open. From now on there
will probably be some pretty lively dis
cussions.
WANT MORE POWER.
The proposition for the change comes
from the extreme rltualists, headed by
tho Bishop Of Fon Du Lac. Wisconsin.
On this side are the clergymen who would
revive the medieval rites and customs
and who would reposes more power In the
clergy-the forgiveness Of sins, for In
stance, and SO on, much as In the Ro-
nan Catholic Church. The matter was
brought up at the convention held last
year in San Francisco, and as required
by the constitution, was referred to
CON mittee to report at the convention to
be held next year In Boston. Meanwhile
the dioceseB throughout the United States
are considering the matter.
1t Is evident that the great mass Of the
laymen are opposed to the change, and
in Virginia both laymen and clergymen
Will probably line up with the opposition
The first distinct Indication OF Virginia's
sentiment on the matter appears In the
issue Of the Southern Ch,rchman Of this
week. The Rev. Carl e. Grammer, Of
Norfolk. one OF the best known Episco-
pal ministers in the country. takes up the
question and argues strongly for the re-
tentIon OF the present designation OF tho
church.
I'm large legislative body pressed for
time and anxious to reach tho end OF
tho task" says Dr. Grammer, ut Is pos
sble to have almost any question, regard
sages, referred to committee to report
at the following session. What harm is
there in an inquiry?' 1t Is asked. What
risk is run by giving a committee of
bishops and delegates. such as will be Sc
lected by our judlcious chairman, the
authority to look into the matter? Is
any one afraid of the light?' The con-
ycntion is In hurry and the matter
goes through. 1t Is in this way that we
find committee appointed to report on
This subject at the next General Con-
vention, and the question of the change
ton in diosean councils, in convocations
end in our church pRpers, y
AGAINST A CHANGE.
DR.. Grammer then proceeds to argue
ably against any change in the name of
the denomination. With reference to the
names proposed as substitutes for the
present one. be says:
II cannot undertake to discuss the sub
stitutes. The reasons for retaining the
old name are. in my mind, so strong that
such discussion is unnecessary. But
one objection lies against nearly all Of
them. Mr.. Joseph Packard put 1t forci-
bly, in his speech in the General Con-
yentlon. They are efforts to give a par
TVS name to the whole church. Have
we been told SO constantly for years
that it is a good thing to have various
schools Of thought In q church without
drawing the necessary inference that they
can only loyalty and fraternally co-exist
so long as no one school tries to place
the other under ban as disloyal to the
church by giving Its own party title to
the whole body, or making Its own par
ty's platform the official position OF the
church? When the term Catholic can be
assumed as the expression OF O fact,
as the designation OF a great union Of
Christians who see no reason for their
separation into different camps. and have
come together into new combination
that requires a new name, we will be
willing to give up Protestant Episcopal
for the name American Church, or
American Catholic Church. but the as