New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1913-09-28
Gather in Germany to Take Up
Problems Facing Church
Workers.
NEW SYSTEM IN AMERICA
Three University Pastorates ?
Established to Keep IN
Touch with Students
of the Faith.
tFrom The Tribune Correspondent,

]
United States filed ST. Lawrence
Church. Nuremberg, Germany. recently,
TO hear the convention sermon OF the
| fourteenth world conference To an
American II is an event TO worship in
a church built in the middle OF the
thirteenth century. 6 gothic architect
ure and decorated with paintings stat
uary, wood carving and bronze relief.
The sermon was by DR.. Althaus, of
Leipsic. master preacher in Germany.
The interest OF the convention CEN
tired chiefly In these three phases OF
church life: The confessional. the spe-
cial problems confronting the Church In
| this generation and an exposition OF
! methods and results. Professor Theo-
dore Zahn, OF Erlangen University, pre-
| scented the first subject and gave the
keynote OF the conference in a paper on
! Why Must We Hold Fast to the Con-
! fession?" He expressed the conviction
that the times especially and the imme-
! date problems Of the Church demanded
"a Christianity, not religion for a her.
init, not an academic opinion. but a
community building and constructive
|
| Gospel"
Effective Measures Discussed.
Lively discussion was awakened by the
presentation OF the subjects, which IN
quired into the reasons why the Church
had not benefited more from the newly
awakened interest in religion and what
| might be done 10 make her more effec-
many alleged religious movements was
doubted.
The Church. II was argued. would have
to eliminate the very essentials OF the
faith, If she were to meet the demands
OF the cultured eclectics. In the case OF
! genuine religious movements outside or
the Church, the institution was not held
without blame for the situation
Careful instruction OF the young IN
preparation for confirmation. faithfulness
in pastoral service and a preaching of
solid doctrine without letting the dog
matics become prominent were sugges-
tons made.
Both In the discussion OF the greater
efficiency OF the Church and in the re-
ports OF the methods and results. not
sion work was brought before the con-
ference Special attention was given TO
| the problems in the Islam countries. The
| advance made by the followers OF Ma
| homet in Africa was said to- be empha- 1
sizing the need for greater effort by the
Christian Church.
II was generally agreed that Mahom-
etanlsm, on the whole, was losing
ground by the incoming OF Christianity
and the Western ideas OF law and gov
eminent There were reported 20 oe
numerous evidences that the Intelligent
and more progressive element is losing
confidence in this religion OF pride and
plumber.
At the evening session, when greet
ings were brought from the various
countries. the international character OF
the conference was especially evident
This makes the Church an important
factor in bringing about eventual uniT
versal peace by arbitration, especially
since this end is reached by educating
along this line.
The hope was expressed that the col-
lects for peace would be used frequent
"
pastors might help TO increase interra-
cial good will; also that systematic
steps might be taken 10 preach peace.
In such a manner, however. as to avoid
even the appearance Of politics.
The address by Baron Won Pechmann.
OF Munich, n prominent jurist, banker
and churchmap in South Germany. on
More Lay Service in the Church" was
not only in itself a valuable contribu-
ton TO the programme, but also signi-
ficant OF increasing lay activity in many
, quarters. Favorable reference was made
10 the laymen's movement in America.
Church and State.
The matter OF the separation OF
church and state came out in several
discussions. While the sentiment pre-
vailed that the Church would benefit by
such a separation no one was inclined 10
plead for immediate action.
The proper instruction OF children in
religion was referred TO as a matter or
deep concern. Both In this and In the
existence OF so many church bodies and
sects in the free church OF America the
European finds problems about as Sc
rious as tho unfavorable conditions pre-
sent in the state church. The delegate
who reported on the condition OF the
Church in France considered the recent
separation in that country a misfort-
une.
In America. the General Council re-
ported the need OF following the student
Of her faith 10 the colleges and universe
ties, and recently established three pas
torates. one compromises Columbia.
Harvard. Yale. Cornell and Syracuse; "a
second. the University OF Wisconsin. and
the third the University OF Minnesota.
In addition TO this. all pastors OF
make pastoral activity among the stu
dents a special branch OF their work.
The reception, both by the university
authorities and the students. has been
most encouraging The work will be con.
tinued and extended.
Professor Ludwig Ihmels and Bishop
Won Scheele president and vce-president.
respectively, were continued In these Of
fees The former Is professor OF dog
mates in Leipsic University, the latter
Bishop Of Gotland. and for forty-seven
years a member OF the Swedish Parlia-
nent.
MONUMENT TO FATHER SIERRA.
Majorca. Sept. IA monument erected
here by public subscription TO Father
Sierra, the founder of the California Mis-