Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1913-05-16

feat. It had large majority among
the clergy and passed in the House
of Bishops. Those who advocate the
change are still confident that it will
secure a large majority in both
houses at the General convention
next fall.
| 1t is interesting to know what this
question involves. The advocates
tof change calling themselves 'Catho-
|lics,' and commonly known as High
Church, though the old fashioned
High Churchmen would have
disclaimed, and still do disclaim
them, are often distinguished in the
Protestant Episcopal Church as
'Ritualists', or Episcopal Church
men, because they have adopted GER
tain doctrines and ceremonies which
the conservative Episcopalians be-
lieve are not warranted by the Pray
er Book. The Advanced Church
men are decidedly opposed to the
name 'Protestants, because Ehey
hold it is negative in its meaning,
and the church does not stand for
negations, but for alternatives of
truth. Further, they claim that it
hinders the progress of missionary
work in Mexico and other Latin
American countries, as IN these
places the word Protestant, implies
one who disregards religion, is
free-thinker, an atheist, or even lives
an immoral life. Again the 'Advan-
ced' party hold that the word Prot
estant' is not understood by the
large number of members of the
Greek Church, who are now coming
to this country. In the conception
of these people, Protestant means
ssectarian' and cuts off those who use
it from any connection with historic
Christianity. Some conservative
clergy and laity of the Episcopal
Church agrees with the Advanced in
desiring the elimination Of tine word
from the title of the Church, because
they think while it was formerly
very desirable, it is now inadequate
and the word Episcopal is tautolog-
ical. To all these Catholic appears
the one acceptable name, although
they on their side forget, that ii
needs as much explanation IN some
quarters, as Protestant does II
others. In The case of many Germans
the term Catholic has politica:
sense which they greatly dislike.
Those who believe the retention Of
1.-THE word Protestant hold that it
has a strongly affirmative sense
signifying witness-bearing for true
doctrine and worship while it also
protests or witnesses against al! er-
ror. 1t stands for Catholic in it.
best sense, as it carries with It a re-
turn to Primitive Apostolic doctrine
and worship. Historically it is
great and noble word witnessing for
the open Bible, the supremacy u
iiScripture as the rule of doctrine anc
life, and civil and religious liberty.
The word Episcopal is also a fitting
application, as stating the ecclesiaS-
tical poity of this particular church
among the other churches Of chris
tendon.
At present it is growing convic-
ion that any Legislation in favor OF
change of name will be deferred b.
the coming General Convention. Foi
all parties, except section of tho
advanced are beginning to realize
that it will be a great mistake 20
push this matter, when large mi
nority are against it, or when, fur
ther, it is possible that a majority
of communicates cannc: properly
express their views under the pres
ent system OF representation in inc
General Convention of the Protes-
tant Episcopal Church.
One main difficulty at present is
the selection of a name the great ma
jority of Episcopalians can accept, il
the old name is discarded. Some have
suggested the word Episcopal as q
sufficient title for the Church, others
The Holy Catholic Church. others
Reformed Catholic others again
American Catholic 1t is felt b.!
inlany evangelical and conservative
Episcopalians, such as the Episcopa-
lians in Virginia and West Virginia
are, that the name American Cath
olic', would commit the Episcopal
Church 10 a narrow and exclusive 20
sition, especially in these days, when
she is apparently so DESTROYS OF pro-
noting unity among all Christian