The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1905-12-08
UNITARIANS REPLY
TO FEDERATION
DR.. Hale, John D. Long and S. A.
Eliot Issue Ad-
= 49,, dress.

Boston, Dec. s.-A reply to their ex-
clusion as Unitarian delegates from the
1nterchurch conference on federation at |
New York has been prepared by Rev.
DR.. Edward Everett Hale, former Gov
ernor John D. Long and Samuel A.
Eliot, president of the American Uni
tartan association, and has been for
warded in the form OF letter to the
pastors of all the Unitarian churches
of Boston. 1t will be read from the
pulpits next Sunday. In their letter
the delegates say that it seems timely
for them to affirm anew the simple
truth "proclaimed of old by Christ
himself, that righteousness of life and
spiritual efficiency, rather than ortho-
doxy of belief, is the test of Christian
discipleship.'
The delegates, who had been elected
by the Unitarian national conference,
were debarred the privilege of taking
part in the interehurch conference on
the ground that their denomination is,
from the standpoint of the conference,
non-evargellcal.
Condemned as Heretics.
The address says in part:
eve were refused admission to the
meeting on the ground that Unitarians
are not Christians. Our characters were
not impeached, but our beliefs were
condemned as heretical. In spite of the
protest of a number Of the most dis
tinguished Christian scholars and lead
ers Of other denominations than our
own, this exclusion has now been con-
firmed by the action Of the conference
itself. The Unitarian churches are def
nitely omitted from the list of Chris
tian bodies entitled to representation in.
the federal council of the churches of
Christian America.
10
action, which puts, not us, but its pro-
moters, at the bar Of an enlightened
public opinion. In view Of it, however.
1t seems timely for us to affirm anew
the simple truth, proclaimed Of old by
Christ himself, that righteousness 'of
than orthodoxy Of belief, is the test
of Christian disoipleship. We affirm
that the doing of the will Of the master
is the vital thing, and that beliefs
about the nature Of Christ are unim-
portant in comparison with practical
OBEDIENCE to his precepts.
1.-THE Unitarian churches Of America
and all who desire to promote pure
Christianity in our land should be glad
to be confronted by stimulating chal-
lenge. Whatsoever good things these
other denominations propose to accom-
plish, and we deeply appreciate tho
good, they do, It is manifest, as repre-
sented by this action, they are both
unwilling and unable. to commit them
selves to the great Christian principles
of freedom and brotherhood.
f'It Is for us, therefore, to urge with
new insistence and in the spiritsof uni
versal fellowship the ideals fSEfaith
and conduct that lie back Of all the
different theologies, and that breathe
in the true worship of all the churches
and to teach that under the inspiration
and life Of Christ men may here and
now enter into his high discipleship
In honest and unselfshh service Of the
present age.
"We therefore appeal to all liberal
Ghrt 1 ht to pvt fresh .t courage and pa
work. We certainly shall not .trystto
build higher the barriers which seeIREto
stand between us and our brethren
of other Christian communions.
Ideals of Faith.
s'By fearlessly proclaiming the ideals
Of q simple and rational Christian faith
and of spiritual highmindedness, by liv-
ing lives Of public-spirited service and
widespread charity, by increasing the
power and usefulness of our liberal
churches and upbuilding our institu-
tions, we shIll help to keep in Chris,
tian discipleship those who have been
alienated from all religious connections
freedom and righteousness.
HWhen the good time comes that our
brethren in other Christian denomina,
tons know us better, they will find US
ready most cordially to cooperate with
them and with all other religious bod
les in establishing the kingdom Of God
on earth