The Coconino sun. (Flagstaff, Ariz.) 1898-1978, 1915-09-17

tieif ChuiSH property unucI TIC Soi-
servation of their UNCONVENTIONAL
work, and to be held for it's work UNI
der the definite requirements of
church law. 1t would be unwise to lay
upon community the task of realiz
ing church building and leave it in
adequately protected. The people
knew, when they gave their money,
what it was for. Such requests are
sacredly held to the end for which
they are made. The people have ex-
actly what they originally sought.
There is no vacillation or risk of for
fixture. The spiritual ministry of the
church is conserved within the mate
rial protection of church law.
In the second place, should there
result definite action for so-called
church federation, it would mean that
this so-called federated church would
draw upon the members of the already
existing churches for the establish
ment of separate church, or the en-
largement by this means of an already
existing denomination under another
UNCONVENTIONAL name. The remaining
denominations would continue their
work at their present sites. They
would be weakened by the movement
in favor of the proposed organiza-
ton. But the espoused policy of the
denominations involved would be to
continue their work.
In the event that the proposed fed
Grafton should crystalize, it would not,
therefore, accomplish actual fedora
ton. The federation would not feder-
ate. The present situation in Flag
staff is now beyond that, But the So
called federated church, in order to
achieve its purpose, would be under
the necessity of providing itself with
church edifice, or quarters, adequate
for the dignity and design of it's
movement. The outcome would be a
heavier draft upon the people for
funds to give proper housing to the
church than it is now costing them
for their present work. This heavier
expense would continue for years to
come. Should it be realized, in the
end the effort might be justified by
the growth of the city. But the
movement would not diminish the pre-
| sent number of churches. Moreover,
such a result is not within the design
of the Federal Council of churches or
covered by it's working plan, except
as it is taken up by the denomination
al authorities involved to bring about
such result. The establishment of
the present situation is most proably
beyond their interference. Were Flag
staff beginning the establishment of
its first christian church these demo-
minational authorities would doubt
less gladly lend their assistance to the
unifying of all christian forces in the
one UNCONVENTIONAL church that would
be the first in the field.
Another consideration appears.
Should members of other churches be
drawn into the proposed organization,
there would not be any increase in the
present total working strength of the
christian forces of the city. There
would simply be the transfer of equ-
ivalents. Some would be weakened
1t would be at their expense that the
proposed church would gain its
strength. This fact might introduce
FRACTIONAL elements between the exist
ing churches that should ever be abb
sent in the relations that bind church
es together in the common evangelical
work of community. 1t is better TO
work to the harmonizing and unifying
of existing relations for the common
good, if the introduction of new ell
ements will not contribute to that end
There now exist differing ideals and
conceptions of thought and conduct
that are provided adequate exercise
and liberty within the various church
es, which would be difficult to harmon
ize in a single organization. Some
feel that they can do things that
others, for conscientious reasons,
avoid. Each individual is permitted
to make his own choice. Each indi-
vidual should grant to others the lib
erty of opinion which he holds for
himself, in all kindlineOs. But under
meath all, with such provision made,
there should be common bond unit
ing all in the great work for which
Christ established His church in the
world. He is one, and in this deeper
unity we find the church invisible.
The suggestion that the churches
retain their present membership and
try federation for year is not hope
full of good results, even should the
difficulties of church property for de-