The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1908-05-07
Address of Bishops at General
nj. E, Conference.
Subject of Popular Amusements
Is Taken Up
ON PARAGRAPH 24S.
Should Not Be Stricken Out, But
Should Be Amended.
They See Great Social Changes
in the Near Future.

NItn oeIegdted session or the general
conference of the M. E. church was
called to order by Bishop Henry w.
warren of Denver. Delegates and
visitors were present from "a coun-
tries. Rev. J. H. Hingely of Mime
sofa, secretary of the last general con-
ference was reelected to that office
by acclamation.
The following telegram was direct
ed sent to Speaker Cannon of the ma
uonal house of representatives:
THE Methodist general conference
representing three million members
urges continued exclusion of intoxi-
eating liquors from the branches of
the national soldiers home"
The address of bishops notes a gain
IN the number of communicates dur
ing the past four years of 278,35 the
greatest gain during any similar per-
1od for 16 years. Other figures show
the number of ministers in the annual
conferences (not including local
preachers) to be 1883, an increase
of LII; subject to appointment as
pastors on trial and in full member
ship 1922; local preachers serving
as pastors 4,439. The total pastoral
army numbers 20.161. These, ac-
gospel in thirteen languages and dia-
lects. The address continues:
THE gain in the value of churches
Is $2S, ,149,604, the gain in parsonages
is s4.52S,871. The total gain in
church property for the four years
valuation of our churches and parson-
ages is $1S6, ,924,024. The increase
since the last general conference aver
ages almost $4,000 900 each year Our
membership in the United States is
5000, while in the whole world
the number is 3,3O7,275, at the close
of 1907. Our foreign communicates
number 267,000."
Figures are given showing that
since the last general conference the
value of educational grounds and
buildings has increased $4682.539
and is now 25,761,547; total endow-
ment S23.S50,4S6, an increase of $5,-
S60,384; and the value of educational
property and endowment exclusive of
debt has increased $11141S92 and
is now S47.569,532.
Since 1904, there have been gains
of TIL teachers and professors, 2,644
professional students and 2,763 COL
legiate students.
Relative to investigation of charges
of heresy by the bishops, the address
says:
we are unanimously of the opin-
ion that the bishops ought not to be
charged with any functions of inves-
legations. these being foreign to the
u.
We believe that the functions Of pre-
liminary investigation in these cases
should be confined to the annual con-
ference of the body which has law
full jurisdiction
Support of Ministry.
Touching support of the ministry the
address says
while we still insist that it is I'M
wise to plan for emoluments in the
church which are likely to make the
accessories of salary and house more
attractive than the work itself, it is of
the highest wisdom to offer such sup
port as secures freedom from anxiety
as well as modest provision for intel
ligence. culture and education of chill
dren. We believe that Inadequate esti-
mate for these things even in the great
prosperity of recent years has kept
essarily in debt already to our educa-
tional board or to relatives and friends
for the cost of their education feel
that they can not wait until, middle life
before they can hope to repay those
they owe
The matter of ministerial appoint
ments is treated thus:
IF there be increasing difficulties III
any degree as to making appointments
It is because of growing interference
on the part of ministers and laymen
with the judgment of the bishops as to
what is best for the work, since minis
ters demand to be kept within the
range of the more lucrative charges
because they have had one or two OF
that sort and they feel humiliated and
degraded if they are sent even to q
smaller education. Churches make il
impossible for the bishops 70 Justly ar.
range the work by insisting on appoint.
ments which. if granted compel wide.
spread injustice as to other member.
of the conference. Conferences pass
resolutions protesting against trans.
fers without equivalent exchange ant
then wholly refuse transfer, thus put.
ting the appointing power where il
must disappoint church by sendins
a man not wanted or cruelty a MAI
by sending him to a disappointed Off
ciary, If not disappointed church
This has reached a pass where tn,
bishops are accused of tyranny ant
self-will when they do what the law o
the church demands of them.
1--WE keenly feel the embarrassment
thus created by both ministers an,
churches, by proceedings wholly out
side the law"
Time Limit on Pastorates
1t is declared that the church ha
not yet reached unanimity touching
removal of the time limit from tn
pastorate, and on the subject of tn
brotherhood recommends that the con
ference recognize a brotherhood of tn
Methodist Episcopal church and pro
vide for incorporation of the brother
hood in the economy of the loca
church, assume some general directio
and enact such legislation as NAV b
deemed necessary. Unification of tn
work of the deaconesses under a cen
trail board is recommended. AS t
amusem ents and the book of discipIin
the address continues:
1--WE are moved by a profound con
viction of duty in again calling YOU
attention to the subject of popula
amusements in relation to the spir
and conduct of spiritual life; We re