The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1905-05-25
BISHOP EDSALL
POINTS TO GROWTH
COMBINATIONS IN DIOCESE
WILL REACH ABOUT 1000.
Church Debts Have Been Reduced and
New Work Strengthened and In
creased-Not His Aim to Start Mis-
sions Unless Strong Spiritual Progress
Is Assured.
Special to The Journal.

Special to The Journal.
Red Wing. Mimi, May 25.--The forty eighth
annual convention of the diocese of Christ chufcn
of this city is in session. About sixty clergy men
and 1910 laymen are attending and the woman 5
auxiliary is in session with $50 delegates. Inc
annual address was made by Bishop Edsall ana u
the outset tribute paid the useful church
workers who have passed from the militant -
the 'church eXpectaut."
Progress was shown in the reduction of debts
by many churches aud the increase of new work.
The huctuation of population presented p prob
lem difficult but necessary to face BISHOP Ed
sail said
''Taking this diocese whole, l believe it is
the true policy for the rather to strength
stakes than to lengthen our cords. 1t
would be easy enough to make a fine showing i'll
statistics by starting many new missions; but to
do so would III MANY Instances result simply in
increased strain upon our diocesan missionary
treasury with no corresponding spiritual result.
The combinations two years ago amounted to
93S in the diocese. This was looked upon as
high water mark. but this year the number will
nearly eQual-pcrhaps eXceed-this. The do
cesar missionary treasury is out of debt
Referring to the report Of the committee on
legislation and some difficulties which presened
themselves the bishop gave interesting discus
sion OF the two radically divergent theories of
church polty. One holds that the church is a
divine sJctety sent by Christ into the world as
means for the salvation of men. in which all
thority is transmitted from above downward.
Under this view the ma tional church is the first
great unit Of church life and the diocese is the
lowest unit for carrying on the appointed work
of the church.
The parish local congrega tion," he said,
docs not constitute church within our mean
Ing Of the term, but Is simply subdivision of
the dioceJan unit, for local convenience.
AS opposed to this theory of church polity
to which the Episcopal church is committed we
lind what may be termed the ~congrega tional or
New England town-rneeting theory. whereby
each congregation becomes Of itself distinct
and complete church.
1T is somewhat difficult to shape legislation
80 as to meet the wants of those committed to
these conflicting theories. but satisfactory prog
Tess is being made.
THE Wcman's Auxiliary work has been very
cred1table the past year, the Offering of 81 OUu
and the red mite offering of 81 900 being evil
dences of the zeal Of our women
Bishop Edsall voiced the prevalent hone of all
religious leaders that remarkable spiritual re.
or course. be ready to lend our sympa thy and
prayers for ultimate spiritual good and CO.
operate TO whatever extent our convictions may
permit
The perplexities in the way of sickness and
death at st. Mary's hall. Faribault the strength
ening of the work Shattuck the stua tion a
Seabury divinity school, an appeal for RrecL
farm school, the church home, Sheltering Arms
were all alluded TO hopefully in detail
Inc recent work of the general convention anf
Nlhnesotas obligation to general missions the
support of aged and infirm clergy episcopal resi-
dence and Swedish work, each received snecia
attention. i
In general. the bishop said. there was q live
Her support for missions and a greater interast
IN the work OF the church than for long time