Gilpin observer., 1904-06-02
IHERESY REPORT
AT METHODIST CONFERENCE
Professors Exonerated.-Stude To
Be cautioned.-Report of Missions
Committee. May Have Colonial
Bishops.

committee. - May Have Colonial
Bishops.
Los Angeles. Cal, May 29.-The
Methodist general conference rushed
through vast amount of business yes
terday during its three sessions and
when adjournment was taken late last
night. had practically cleared the files
OF all the important subjects that have
been brought before it.
The heresy question, which had
been held up by many as a thing upon
which there would be prolonged and
heated debate, proved to be a very
small matter. after all. 1t was dis
missed with report brought in by the
committee on education, the confer
ence adopting it's recommendations
without q ripple of excitement. There
was no debate except a brief speech
by DR.. Mitchell, who is credited with
being. the leader of those opposed to
the so-called higher criticism in theo-
logical circles. DR.. Munhall merely
stated his opposition to Bible criticism
and declared himself favorable to the
report as presented.
The recommendations of the COM
mittee on education on this particular
point were that in the absence OF suf-
ficient proof against the faculties of
certain universities. these institutions
be exonerated on all the charges of
heresy. The report recommended also
that since there is some unrest and a
disposition to fear that heresy will de-
velop. the directors should exercise
care in the selection of instructors, ap-
pointing none concerning whose
question. Professors were cautioned
tn i'm hot CT, To oh
none but established doctrines. The
report was passed by large vote
The conference voted down the rec
ommendation of the committee on
temperance providing for a special de-
partment of temperance work and au-
thoriZing collections for it's mainten-
ance.
The report of the missions commit
tee was adopted with the following
recommendations
F,avoring the revision by commits
sion of the ritual pertaining to mar
riage ceremony and administration of
the southern Asia districtl favoring
the granting of a subsidy to the Mex
lean Christian Advocate; referring 20
a commission the unification of Meth
odist bodies of Japan with power to
act; favoring the erection, as soon as
practicable, of union theological
school for all Methodist missionaries
in Europe; advising that special col
umn be provided in annual conference
minutes for the recording of special
missions gifts, but providing that
churches which have not come up to
their regular missions apportionment
shall not have their special gifts re-
corded in said column.
Several of the newly elected bishops
have been given their first experience
as presiding officers over the general
conference at last nights and to-day's
sessions. Bishops Berry. Spellmeyer,
Bashford and MacDowell have presid
ed in turn. The others Of the new
bishops will preside during some OF
| the sessions before final adjournment
| There was reserved for the final ses
| sion of the conference one of the most
| significant questions programmed fol
consideration by this body. 1t was the
| question OF whether the ministers or
! any other than white races shall be
eligible for the episcopacy.
The conference last night decided
by a practically unanimous vote. to
| amend the church constitution so as
to provide for the election of bishops
of other than the white race.
The conference also adopted the ma
jority report of the committee on edu-
| cation on the subject of opening the
American University at Washington
| The report advised that the university
| be not opened until the endowment OF
| $4,000, 900 had been raised.