The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1906-11-27
THE CRAPSEY DECISION.

II An cots All Episcopal Clergy men who
Preach or Teach HeterOdoxy.
BUFFALO. Nov. 20.-An important part Of
the court OF reviews decision In the Crap
sey heresy case has been overlooked by
most ohurchmen. That court Is prohibited
by canon from considering questions Of
faith and doctrine. But the court had
among its members q former Judge of the
Court OF Appeals, Charles Andrews, who
is said TO nave written the decision, and it
has been discovered that it contains an
expression which shows where the court of
review stands. not alone as to DR.. Crapsey.
but as to all Protestant Episcopal clergy
men who preach or otherwise teach hetero-
dox views. The decision says:
The doctrines Of the Church are set forth
in the authorized standards and formulas
which the Church has adopted as to the ex-
pression Of ito faith and doctrine. and first
among these are the Apostles and Nicene
creeds.
some Of the questions (the hypothetical
questions submitted Nv the defence ut the
trial and which were ruled out) seem to
assume that sincerity Of belief is the test by
which a presbyter 10 to be judged in teach
ing doctrine not in conformity with the
doctrine Of the Church. But the assertion
by q clergyman OF the Church OF a liberty
beyond the pounds OF some grave obliga-
ton must be supported by something be-
side rectitude OF purpose.
1t may be submitted that every clergy
man Is bound in his public teaching TO yield
to the paramount claim OF conscience;
but the Church, as the guardian of the
Christian faith, as IL has received and de-
clared it. cannot, without betraying its
trust, when called upon to act, permit
doctrines which il holds essential and
fundamental TO DO impugned by those who
minister at her affairs, however pure their
motives or sincere their convictions
Apparently this answers DIR. Crspsey's
statement that the courts decision affects
no one but himself. and that those who
share his views should stand their ground
and speak their minds boldly. II is said
that the quoted extract from the decision
is the Official declaration ever
made in the United States as TO the posi-
ton Of the Protestant Episcopal Church
in the enforcement Of its discipline against
so-called liberal preachers within that
Church.
BY those clergymen aud laymen who
know OF. II II il expected not only to make
the Protestant Episcopal authorities of
England where the highest ecclesiastical
authority. the PriVy Council, is a civil body,
who's policy has been to tolerate liberal
preaching) open their eyes and sit up
straight. but to cause in the United states
prompt action on the part Of Bishops who
have been in doubt what 10 do with certain
clergy men in their respective dioceses who
nave been preaching doubtful doctrine.
It is said here that the decision can hardly
fail TO result in the deposal Of the Rev.
George Clark Cox, rector Of Calvary Church,
Cincinnati. DIR! Cox last summer wrote to
Boyd Vincent. Bishop Of Southern Ohio, to
this effect:
Il no longer believe in the virgin birth
and the Resurrection. l desire TO remain in
the Protestant Episcopal Church if possible,
but il my conception Of these doctrines is
not Teconcilable l will leave the Church.
| avn ait your advice"
SO far az has been made public Bishop
Vincent has never replied to this letter, and
il ia assumed here that he has been awaiting
the outcome of the Crapsey trial and appeal
before acting.