New-York tribune., 1909-06-15
FOSTER NOT 0USTED
BAPTIST MINISTERS ACT.
Different ViezCs Taken as to Mean
ing of Resolution.
ERv Telegraph 70 The Tribune l

Chicago June 14-Professor George Burman
Foster of the University of Chicago is still
Baptist At least he has not been expelled from
the Chicago Baptist Ministers Conference for
heresy. It depends upon the personal attitude of
the Baptist theoogians whether Professor Foster
IS in good denominational standing.
The full strength of the Baptist ministry in Chi
and vicinity fought bitterly for four hours to-
day over the Foster case. The anti-Fosterites say
that the only that the university professor
not expelled was because of a hlibuster and
parliamentary tactics the part of a squad Of
University of Chicago professors and friends Of
Professor Foster. which prevented a vote upon the
resolution Of the Rev. Johnston Myers TO oust
Foster.
There resolution passed at the finish Of
the executive session Of the ministers which is
varously interpreted. Some Of the Baptists appear
TO think that Professor Foster vindcated by the
terms of the resolution, while others declare their
belief that the resolution serves fiat and definite
notice TO him to sever his official connection with
the Baptist denomination at once.
4 third view, held by the ultra -beligerent eIe-
ment. is that the resolution is 'wishy-yva shy
meaning nothing in particular. and adopted by
general consent TO terminate a bad mess with bit
ter personalities, charges and cross charges In
jected by the ministers at every step of stubborn
fight. This element asserts that the resolution de-
cides nothing, and that Professor Foster will he
summartly elected from the Baptist conference at
any Monday session at which it may be
venent.
~,
with less than one-half of those present voting It
follows as recorded verbatim in the minutes Of the
secretary:
Whereas Recent reported utterances reported IN
nave been made by Professor Foster. concerning
the fundamentals of faith whether correctly OF
incorrectly reported and whether understood or
misunderstood, have left impression on the gen
eral public which tends TO put the Baptist de-
nomination in a false light Therefore he It
Resolved. That We. as members of the Baptist
Conference, reafflminC the ancient Baptist posi-
ton Of liberty and conscience and freedom in
the investigation Of truth and expression Of
opinion. reaffrm our belief in the deity Of Christ.
salvation by faith in Him, and that will
givas us tu understand it. and that repudiate
utteranCe 10 the contrary, whether preached by
Professor Foster or any other.
Professor Foster was not at the meeting at
which had gathered all the leading Baptist pastors
of the city and practically every minister entitled
TO seat in the conference He remained at the
University ~ Chicago during the day. but the Rev
Melbourne ? Boynton, pastor Of the Lexington
Avenue Church. after telephone conversation with
the professor made n statement to the conference
denying definitely the charges made agains- the
author Of The Function Of Religion"
As a result Of the vote the resolution. tho
Rev Johnston Myers cried out above the turmoil
~ the end Of the meeting: Gentlemen. wish
to say TO you that I hereby tender my resignation
as president Of the Baptist Executive Council. and
shall insist that the resignation be accepted a
the next meeting
No action taken by the meeting