The Detroit times., 1913-06-03
PURE MARRIAGE
PLAN HAS FLAWS,
PASTORS THINK
Well-Meant, but lmpracticablc.
General Verdict on Rev. l..
X. Shippen's Stand
BELIEVE INDIVIDUAL
EFFORT NOT EFFECTIVE
Say Backing of State is NeceS-
sary and Favor Legislation
on Subject

Ministers OF Detroit differ some
what sharply ia their estimates OF
/ the stand taken by the Rev Eugene
k. Shipper in announcing that here
after he will marry only those who
present certificates OF physical tit.
ness for marriage, signed by a repu-
table physician.
! Well meant, but impracticable' is
the comment OF some while others
indorse his stand unquaIihedly.
Bishop Charles h. Williams. OF the
Episcopal diocese OF Michigan, is one
oil the latter lie said 10 The Times
In The recent convention In Jack.
son OF the diocese covering the east.
ern half of the lower peninsula OF
Michigan, our denomin alton passed
resolution urging our ministers 10
require the publishing OF marriage
Danns In at least one public service,
and 10 require also that the appli-
cants present statement from a
physician giving his address. TO the
effect that he has examined them and
found them free from consumption
and certain blood diseases which are
specifically named.
While this isn't a binding rule, we
expect the ministers 10 follow il. and
also that other dioceses will fall into
line with IL.
Or Shipper is really following
| our example. The movement OF
course, was started By Dean Walter
Sumner, of Chicago
The pastors VINO take a different
view hold that the problem is not
one TO be solved by them alone. and
that the best that can be hoped from
individual action is that IL may slim
ulate thought and help TO bring about
legislation which will be an effective
solution. They all expressed admira-
ton OF the courage displayed by the
outspoken progressive pastor OF the
First Unitarian church In the step he
has taken.
IT shows the right spirit" said the
Rev, n. Lester Smith, pastor OF the
Central NJ f. church, but II is i'm.
practicable until the regulation can
be made universal. ! am strongly in
favor Of the states passing such a
law.
For single minister, or even
those of a denomination 10 act with
out the backing OF the state, would
not accomplish the desired result
IL would, fear. only serve TO place
hardship on innocent persons TO no
purpose
The Rev. j. Percival Huget, OF the
First Congregational church, said
Il have nothing but respect for and
favorable opinion of the position
taken by Dean Sumner and others on
this question. The state Congrega.
tfonal convention. meeting In .Cadii-
lac last week, adopted a resolution
indprsing the movement TO demand
that the parties TO any marriage I
which Is given the sanction of the (
church. shall be physically fit.
1T Is too big a problem. however. |
to answer off-hand how anyone should |
try TO solve IL, or 10 pass Judgment
upon the action OF another person. !
The matter Is one TO be met by leg
islation, but | believe much may be
done by individual initiative in the
way OF education and the creation OF
public opinion on IT,
When a man starts out alone
there are serious difficulties 10 be
encountered. For instance. the ques-
ton Immediately arises as to what
is reputable physician? And how
Is the pastor TO know whether or
not a given certificate Is acceptable"
similar attitude was taken by
the Rev. f.. n. Pence. OF the Fort-st
Presbyterian church, who said: II
all that medical men tell us about
the prevalence OF the diseases We are
fighting and the danger In them for
future generations Is true. and | sup
pose II is, then IL Is time for the
state To take a hand The county
clerk should be required TO demand
certificate Of health before issuing
license. do not see that even
all the clergymen OF the city could
do much by their efforts alone AS IL
appeals To me. the situation Is one
that must be met by wise legisla-
ton"
While Russia occupies first place