The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1916-04-29
ENJOYS OF 100000
METHODISTS GATHER
Election of Bishops, Card Play
ing, Dancing and Theatres
Among the Issues.
HOPE TO UNITE THE FAITH

SARATOGA SPRINGS. April 2~o.-Leaders
Of the Methodist Episcopal Church in
every part Of the globe are beginning to
arrive here for the quadrennial session
OF the General Conference. which will
month of May.
Although the delegates number only
about 300 the conference will bring to-
gether several thousand persons who arc
closely connected with tho activities OF
the church. The delegates represent l32
conferences, numbering a membership OF
t.033.i13 In tho United States and other
countries. The conference is the legis-
lative body OF the denomination. The
majority of delegates are from this
country.
The conference is the first worldwide
Protestant gathering since the European
war began and will bring into contact
Churchmen from ~ernati ltal!, AUS
t~ria-liungary, Bulgaria. France ana
Russia. Many of these men have been
on their way for several weeks cncoun-
t,ring numerous difficulties. Although
such action has not been publicly dis
cussed It would not be surprising n
steps were taken designed to speed con-
clusion of the war. It is certain that III"
war will have "A place of prominence In
tho discussions.
OF greatest, interest to Methodists Is
the possibility that out OF the delibcra-
tons may grow a union of all the Meth
odist churches In the world. increasing
the membership to nearly i,5oo,oo".
When the South seceded from the Union
tho Methodist Episcopal Church. which
until that time had been united under
one form of government in America,
likewise divided and the wound has
never been healed. OF late years. how
ever. leaders In the Methodist Church
South and the Northern church have
sought to discover a basis upon which
TIE two bodies could reunite. When IN"
General Conference met In Minneapolis
four year, ago this feeling WAS so strong
tina the southern churcn has been led TO
formulate u proposition which will be
submitted this year. outlining conditions
on which the Sou;herners would return.
The general plan proposes an anialgama-
ton OF the Methodist-Protestaht church
and other minor bodies which have left
the parent organization for various rea-
sons.
A plan will be submitted to permit
the appointment OF bishops Tor races
and languages. that II, colored bishops
Cor colorcd churches In the South. and
bishops of the race and language OF for
eign conferences. At present only meme
beers who are white and h speak
English are eligible for elevation 10 IN"
bishopr,c. During the last two years u
referendum has been taken AT the lay
and clerical conferences on "A proposed
constitutional amendment permitting the
!, change. 1t will 10 reported that this
has failed Of the necessary two-thirds
vote. The advocates of the innovation
will seek r~esubmisslon. Those who have
favored the appointment 81 colored bisll.
ops urged that II is time for the
~ .arElf aHnrs
TO help himself 10y cntrust!ng 10 him the
spiritual guidance Of his " people.
The sentiment IN negro churches has
been divided.
Always towering on the outskirts Of
a session OF the General Conference is
the paragraph In the Methodist disc!-
pine that specifically forbids church
members from playing cards. dancing or
attending the theatre. Four Years ago
an attempt was made to eliminate this
section on the ground that enforcement
In impossible. After appeals had been
, made by Me,hodists from other LANDS
who are governed by the same book
{ or discipline the paragraph was lief;
practically as before. In all proba-
. bIllty the amusement question Will be
, brought before the conference again this
= year and win set off the cus,omar! ora
torical fireworks.
. o. less general interest. but Of inn
portance TO the church are suggestions
for repeal 81 the law requiring the re-
. tircnent Of aged bishops; passage of an
: amendment restoring to the district SUI
. perintendent the time honored title OF
a presiding elder and establishing a time
limit or pastora,es. The Last prorosi-
: ton arises from the argument that
/, when the Law limiting pastoraies 10 q
= certain specified period WIS eliminated
= the way was opened 70 N" retention :ol
. long terms 10y one pastor OF ~" NOR,
, desirable pulpits. The diSronteut coinos
+, principally from pastors In the poorl!
A paid charges.
Before tho sessions are ended actor
will bc taken outlining the position n
!, tho church on temperance, prohibition
q the social evil and other problems o.
this nature.
Al least eight bishops will hr eirctc,
Il to take the places OF those who nave
n died or who urc 10 b. retired. Among
n those mentioned are the Rev Thoma.
Nicholson, secretary of the hoard of cdu
cation: President Herbert Wclch Of Obi,
Wesleyan University. Delaware, Ohio
DR.. william II. Oldham. who rcsignc'
/ as missionary bishop four years ago Dr.
4 Ezra $. Triple. president Of Drew Thco
logical Seminary. Madison. y. J.; pr
Matt +. Hughes and III. Charles T.. Lock-
of the Pacific coast: pr. Charles Il
Mitchell of Chicago, nr. Joshua STAINS
field Of indianapolis. chancellor Frank
lin Hamilton of tn" American Int,'r
% sity. Was hington. l.. e., Dean laures
Y Rlrncy of the Boston University
school ~ Theology. the Rev. Frederic
a T Kenuey Of Syracuse, the Rev. !. W
Van Glove "f Illinois, Dr. Frederick "
Luce Of ohio. president William II
Crawford Of Allegheny College, Mead
:, willie, IA. and Dr. J. |" Hillman Of De,
Moines, Ia.