The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1913-06-23
DISCUSS EUGEn|CS :. !.
At MEETING TODAY
MINISTERIAL UNION WILL con-
sIDER QUESTION OF PHYsI-
CLANS CERTIFICATES.
NUMBER OF LOCAL MINISTER'S AND
PHYSICIANS COOPERATE TO
PROTECT THE WOMEN
WHO MARRY.

Eugenical marriage and the duty
OF the ministers in the matter of re-
fusing marriage to men afflicted with
immorally acquired diseases will be
considered again at a meeting OF the
Richmond Ministerial union which
has been called to meet at IL o'clock
this morning in the Young Mems
Christian Association building.
This question has been agitated by
some of the Richmond ministers since
the Diocese Of Virginia and the DID,
cese of Southern Virginia, of the Epis-
copal church, went on record in its
favor. A meeting Of ministers fav-
oring the improvements suggested was
held in st. Paul's church some time
ago and at the meeting of the minis
terial union, held a few days there
after the question was brought up for
discussion. Nothing was done at this
meeting, 1t being the concensus OF
opinion that more thought and con-
sideration of the question was neces-
sary as a precedent to action. 1t is
probable that definite action will be
taken this morning.
All Churches United.
Although it was Episcopal councils
which first began the agitation of the
matter, all denominations were re-
presented at the meeting at st. Pauls
nations have decided to join in what
they consider great and needed re-
form. Many of the physicians OF the
city have signified their desire to CO.
operate with the ministers of the Cos
pei in the matter. The Episcopal
council resolutions gave 1t as the
sentiment of the councils that all min
listers of the church should refuse
to perform the marriage ceremony in
~ ,xt1s Il
present a certificate from the physi-
clan of the brides family. testifying
to his freedom from diseases of i'm
moral origin.
Shortly thereafter the Episcopal
ministers OF the city in conjunction
with several of other denominations
prepared to carry into effect those re-
solutions. 1t is not planned to have
the ministerial union to go on record
in the matter as union, the effort
being to induce each member of the
union and all other ministers to agree
to demand the certificate from the
groom. In other words. 1t is desired
that all ministers in the city signify
an intention to take such steps in the
future. Individual, rather than col
lective action is desired. 1t being the
opinion that with each minister as
sured in his own mind of the neces-
sity of such action better results viii
be obtained than by a proclamation
Of sentiment of the union.
AS To legislation.
California has recently enacted
legislation along these lines, but no
such law obtains in Virginia. With
ministers and physicians co-operat-
ing. however, 1t Is believed that the
desired results will be attained. to a
certain degree, at any rate, without
the aid of legislation. Later efforts
to secure some such law as that re-
Gently enacted by the California legis-
lature may be made. For the pres
ent the plan is to conduct a campaign
of education.
Several womens organizations of
the city. including the Equal Suffrage
league and the temperance leagues
and unions, have endorsed the move
ment