Evening journal., 1909-11-18
ACTION ABOUT
''OPEN PULPIT
Rev. W. H. Laird'S Statement
Concerning the Resolution
and Bishops Interpretation
SPECIAL SERVICE MAY
SUPERSEDE REGULAR

The following letter. which explains
itself, has been received from the Kew
William II. Laird. the clerical repre-
sentative of the Protestant Episcopal
diocese of Delaware for the Anti
Saloon League
Editor of THE EVENING JOUR-
NAL: In view of the impression
which the fneagre report of the VII
mington Archdeaconry, in THE
EVENING JOURNAL Of November
18th. is calculated to leave upon the
mind Of the casual reader. ! desire TO
make the following explanation IN re-
spect to it's action regarding the so
called "open pulpit" Canon.
The simple facts are these:
letter had been received from the
Rev. John NJ. Arters. secretary OF the
Anti-Saloon League. asking that the
sulpits Of the various Episcopal
churches in Wilmington be thrown
open. on certain Sunday. to repre-
sontatives of the league, and suggest
ing that the matter be brought be-
fore the Archdeaconry at it's session
on the 18th of November. In accord
ance with this suggestion the letter
was read: and while those present eX-
pressed themselves as in hearty ac-
cord with the temperance movement
as a moral issue of vital importance,
they felt the secretary Of the league
should be made acquainted with the
general Canon governing the action Of
the clergy of the Episcopal Church in
the matter of opening their pulpits to
speakers who are not ordained min
isters of that Church, so that the
secretary might understand the situ-
alton clearly. The Canon in question
reads as follows.
mo minister in charge Of any
congregation of this Church, or IN
case of vacancy or absence, no church
wardens, vestrymen, or trustees OF the
congregation. shall permit any person
TO ofiiciate therein, without suf1cient
evidence of his being duly licensed or
ordained to minister in the Church,
provided. that nothing herein shall be
so construed as to forbid communi-
cants of the Church to act as lay
readers; or to prevent the Bishop OF
any Diocese Missionary District from
giving permission to Christian men
who are not ministers Of this Church, tc
make addresses in the Church. OF
special occasions.
fThis Canon makes IL compulsory
H.aon a clergyman to refer "a reques
El occupy his pulpit by anyone not az
lrdained minister of this Church e
the Bishop, for his sanction and ap
provaI before the desired permission
can be granted.
The Bishop made the statement tina
he interpreted the Canon quite literally
adding, 1.-The reference in this Canol
TO special occasions can not be con
str1led as referring to the regular ser
vices Of our Church, At regular ser
vices. either on Sunday or weekday
Il would not be permissible to arrang
for such special addresses as ar
here contemplated. For occasion
other than regular services. or for ser
vices on special occasions, which, 70
good reason, should supersede regula
services Of the Church, my consen
would be readily and cordially give
in response to the request and recon
rnendation of any rector of parish 4
the diocese"
It was TO acquaint the Rev. MI
Arters with the compulsory characte
of this Canon, and with the Bishop
ruling in regard to it's application. tina
the following resolution was offere
and adopted:
Resolved, That the secretary of tn
Wilmington Archdeaconry inform IN
secretary Of the Anti-Saloon Leagu
that the pulpits of the Episcopa
Church can be opened to speakers o
any subject. who are not ordaine
ministers OF this Church, only o
special occasions, such special occas
ions not being the regular, appointe
services Of the Church"
I will be greatly obliged If you wi
kindly give space to this statement
Respectfully,
VIM. II. Laird.
Wilmington, Del, Nov. IS, 1909.