The Washington herald., 1915-11-01
DR.. McKim Explains Split In
Episcopal Board of Missions
Rector Indirectly Scores Bishop Harding and Others Who
Qui, Body-Says Action Is Outcropping of Antago-.
nistc Anti-Proestant Movement.

Declaring the opposition to the sending
OF delegates OF the Episcopal board OF
missions to the Panama conference must
| be taken in the same light as the at
| tempt to destroy the protestant char
acter of the Episcopal church." Rev. Dr.
Randolph II. McKim took sharp issue
with Bishop Harding. OF Washington,
and the other bishops who resigned from
the board last week In his sermon yes
terday morning at the Church of the
Epiphany. His sermon was delivered In
these words:
The public press has made you aware
that there has been an acute difference
OF opinion In the board of missions on
the question of our participation in the
Panama congress to be held in Febru-
airy next and that after a stormy ses-
sion five members Of the board resigned
as protest against the action taken in
favor Of sending delegates to the con-
gress.
AS a large contributor to the funds
OF the board OF missions. this congrega-
ton is entitled to an explanation OF this
extraordinary and unfortunate situation.
Aims of Panama Conference.
Let me. then. in the first place. ex-
plain the spirit and purpose of the pro-
posed congress.
1T Is conference Of Christian people
Of various different churches for the
purpose OF studying social and moral
conditions in Latin-American countries
In order to prosecute moral, intellectual.
religious, educational. and social work
in those countries. The preparation for
the congress has been made under the
direction OF such splendid leaders as
John r. Mott and Robert f. Speer and
a comprehensive study OF the funda-
mental facts OF Latin American life has
been undertaken. Eight commissions
have been entrusted with this prepara-
tory study. They are composed Of 2l5
Observation-Disclosures North Amer
leans. and Europeans. These reports are
being sent TO experts in all these coun-
tries for searching criticism. After re-
vision in the light of these criticisms.
the eight reports will be sent to the
delegates and published, following the
congress. In three large volumes, max
ing, We hope, a real contribution to the
limited literature which undertakes a
fair. sympathetic. and accurate state
nent Of the deeper things OF Latin
American life.
AS to the spirit Of the proposed con-
sress. the following instructions have
been issued: IF the best and most last
facing moral and spiritual con-
iitions which call for missionary work |
in Latin America. and while presenting
the Gospel which We hold as the only
adequate solution of the problems which |
hose conditions present. It shall be the |
purpose of the Panama Congress to rec
1gnize all the elements OF truth and good
ness In any form of religious faith. Our
approach TO the peop<e shall be neither
:ritical nor antagonistic. but inspired by
he teachings and example of Christ. and
hor via ~ 1f1k fnlra al,
'ejoiceth not In iniquity but rejoiceth in
he truth
Chrfstian Bodies Welcome.
Tn further illustration Of the spirit Of
he congress, I point to the invitation
which has been given In the following
words:
"'AH communions or organizations
which accept Jesus Christ as Divine
'aviour and Lord. and the Holy Script
res OF the Old and New Testaments as
he revealed word Of God, and whose
urpose Is to make the will OF Christ
revail in Latin America. are cordially
invited to participate in the Panama Con-
ress. and Will be heartily welcomed
TT Is amazing in the face of these
acts that II should be asserted by some
{ the leaders in the board OF missions
hat the Panama Congress involves an
lsult to the Church OF Rome. and that
hat church Is excluded from the confer
nee. Yet this is what was asserted by ,
bishop Weller on the floor OF the board
missions on Tuesday last.
Tt 10 also amazing that Il should be ,
sserted that our delegates will be bound
y the decisions OF the congress. On !
he contrary. the congress Is not for ac-
on. but for discussion. for conference,
,r mutual illumination. ,
The religious needs of Latin america I
re real. Many Of their own prominent '
aders speak Of It. More than half ]
lie people Of Latin America live In coun-
les where there Is no state religion. In I
! others. except one. the people are
uaranteed religious liberty. Z