The Birmingham age-herald., 1906-05-11
TEXAS GETS BUSY
 IN CONFERENCE
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sion on federation which was read by Bishop Hoss It recommended general council to work in harmony with similar body from the Methodist Episcopal church on such subjects as the handling of mis- sions, education and in adjusting minor differences between the two churches. The text of the bishops report as read was as follows;
 To the General Conference of the Meth
 odist Episcopal Church, South;
 Dear Fathers and Brethren-We desire to report that during the quadrennlum just passed we have had only one meeting with the commission of the Methodist Episcopal church. This meeting was held in the city of Baltimore April lS-l9. lWo, and was in every respect harmonious and fraternal. A full minute of its proceedings is hereby filed for the use of the com mittee on federation.
 'It will be seen that a resolution was passed by the joint commission suggest ing the formation of d definite plan Tor the interchange of ministers between the two churches by the exercise of the trans- fer power on the part of the bishops, un- der due Limitations and restrictions '"rhe most important action had, how ever, was the following:
 Resolved That the growth or the spirit of fraternity and of practical fed
  odist Episcopal church and the Methodist Episcopal church south, suggests the Nad- visibility of nstituting federal couhcli for these two churches, which without in- terfering with the autonomy of the re- spective churches. and having no leglsia- tive functions, shall yet be invested With advisory powers in regard to worldwide missions, Christian education. the evan eelizatlon of the unchurched masses, and the charitable and brothererly adjustment of all conflicts and misunderstandinss. that may arise between the different branches of Methodism.'
 Spirit of Fraternity Growing.
 .sIt is our belief that the spirit of fra ternity is steadily growing between the two churches. If the agreements already reached, and the solemn compacts al ready made, are faithfully kept, great deal of un-Chrstian friction may be aVoid- ed That they may be kept is our sincere hope. The time has fully come when neither church should for one moment think of promoting it's own interests at the expense of the other Mere maneuyer- ing for position is unworthy of Christian men. Lust for ecclesiastical empire is far from being identical with zeal for the kingdom of God.
 ''1'he whole movement for federation proceeds upon the supposition that Epis- CODal MetnOulSn Ill lUtSt inlltu DloetH is essentially one. For either branch of it to assume air of patronage or supe- riority is to nulify and defeat the good work that has already been accomplished, and to render still greater achievements impossible. Where either church is do- ing fairly well the work that is expected of it, the other should frankly recognize it as a sufficient Methodism, and should not embarrass it's activities by pushing in and trying to set up rival congre- gation. If federation does not mean at least this much. then it is a sounding brass and changing cymbal, a mere name with out any reality behind it. Common hon. esty, to say nothing of respect for the higher ethics of our holy religion, forbids us to go through the forms of friendly recognition and intercourse, and at the same time to continue the policy of con- tention and rivalry. We suggest that this conference deliver itslf of so clear pro- nouncement as shall leave no room for doubt concerning its position on this inn portant subject
 NY VII SON President