The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1913-04-22
THIS CITY MAY
 BE EPISCOPAL
 BISHOPS HOME
Radical Changes Are Contemplated In
 This Diocese
Connecticut Delegates to Seek to Have New Name Adopt
 ed for Church

Bridgeport may be further dignihed enthusiastically in the near future by resident bishop of the Episcopal faith. Not only is this possible but more than probable as a result of concerted action upon the part of the clergy throughout Connecticut, sup ported by many of the lay delegates of the church in this section, the four archdeacons of the diocese. and the expressed desire of the present bishop that the diocese be divided.
 So strongly has this project been advocated in church circles, that, at the recent clericus of Fairfield county, held in St. Johns church, Bridgeport, ii was voted delegates to the diocesan convention, soon to be held, be in- structed to recommend such dfvis- ion and the appointment of an addi- tional preIate.
 Of equal interest at this time comes the announcement that at the same meeting, in conformity with the na- tional discussion of a change in the termination Protestant Episcopal Church. delegates to the National convention of the Episcopal church. are to be instructed, according to the vote taken, to favor the change. Among the names which have been under discussion are American Cath olic church, American church, 'Episcopal church, etc. Accordingly
 
 morialized to so instruct their dele-i gates before the general convention.
 In speaking of the probable division. of the Connecticut diocese and the ap-i pointment of another bishop in this section, Rev. Ernest J. Craft rector of Christ Episcopal church, today said: The diocese of Connecticut has long been too large for the care of one bishop and it Is growing rap idly in numbers The distances of travel and the many duties upon an individual head are far Eoo- groat over 250. churches in the territory al- lotteds and that many are widely apart, it will be seen that the bishop cannot have that intimate relationship with his parishes which is desira ble. e"I might cite the recent visit of~Rt Rev. Chauncey B. Brewster, Bishopd of Connecticut, to this city. when he was compelled to confirm his fourth class in one day. To those intimate ly acquainted with the duties of such an official, the burden of such task will be apparent. N
 While the division of the state was once before contemplated and result ed in the voted appointment of a suf- fragan bishop, later feeling became strong against such an appointment, both clergy and laity uniting in the belief that the division were better.
  2,000 converts to the faith yearly, it will readily be seen that there is toe much work for one bishop and the di- vision which has been agitated is, in my opinion, quite necessary.
 ''If it is carried into effect the new diocese will include Bridgeport, New Haven, Stamford, Greenwish and the territory surrouiding these cities. The head will undoubtedly reside in Bridgeport, leaving the rest of the state under the Jurisdiction of the present head.
 While the archdeacons are in fa- vor of the division. there may poss1- ment from the eastern section of the state, althugh am of the opnion tha t it will be slight.''
 On the subject of 8 change of name which 1t had been rumored was to re- suit in the Episcopal church being called ''The American Catholic Church. pr. Craft said: "As you may know, I was in the west during the meeting at which this was discussed, but can say that a vote was passed in this arch-deaconry; to memorabilia the diocesan convention to instruct their delegates before the general convention for the change.
 There have been a number of diff ferent names suggested and the mat ter has been the subject of wide dis discussion throughout this country. It has arisen over the confusion som e. times aroused by the word protest ant The word 'catholic,' as 1t is defined by the Episcopalians. does. not mean universal in the sense that all denomination constitute the Catholic church, but it relates to the jurisdic- tion and extent of that specific church which Christ as a literal fact founded at Jerusalem"