The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1917-04-14
LOCAL PASTOR KISSED DOWN
 FOR PACIFISM
Rev. E. F. Weise, of Grace Church, Causes Row at
 Conference.
TREASON" CRY OF
 MINISTER PATRIOTS
Will Go to Germany "To
 Convert Teutons, But Not to Kill Them"

ONASSA A SAoOAA0S aHAo INV"
 to Kill Them"
 Shouts / of 'f'reason!'' resounded through st. Marks church. Bushwick avenue and Beverly road, where near- ly 300 clergymen from -;i sections of New York and New England had con- gregated. Attempts of the young Bridgeport clergyman to continue his paper and elucidate his patriotism were howled down and he did not remain in the assembly to vote the resolution which finally pledged both the property and the lives of the Methodist Episcopal churches to the country in the nations crisis.
 MT. Weise returned to the conven- tion today and declared that, although he had German blood in his veins, his grandfather had fought in the Union forces of the Civil War in 1861.
 T thank God" he said in conclu- sion, that although the German blood is in my body, there is none of the Kaisers mixed in it. If my country desires my services to go into Ger many and convert its people to the right beliefs, I am at its service but I cannot conscientious1y go there to kil1.''
 In fiery discussion in the East Methodist conference being heic in New York this week. which iiaclnsies nearly every Methodist Episcopal min ister of this city among its number. Rev. E. F. Weise, pastor of the Grace Methodist Episcopal church on Clin- ton avenue, sprang a sensation and produced a violent uproar in the as- semb1y when in the attempt to prevent him from reading a pacifist paper he declared: t4
 eff I am to choose between my God and my country, have already chosen my God!''
 MT. weise, who has been pastor of the Grace M. B. church in this city for the last two years, succeeding Dr.. O. w. B. Cook, in this pastorate. re- sides at 458 Clinton avenue with his family. He is 3S years of age, was born in Missouri. a graduate of the Kansas University and the Drew Theo- logical Seminary. Prior to coming to
  town, Conn, and in the West.
 He is considered in Bridgeport by those who have been closely associat- ed with him to be thoroughly Ameri- can ip principle though he has been an ardent advocate of pacifism. It was through his effort that Dr. Milton s. Rees. evangelist was brought to for the recent religious revival.
 His attitude yesterday in failing to unanimously pledge the church, has come as distinct surprise toyoff1cers and members of the church body and it is believed here that the final re- ports will show that MT. Weise's vote is included in favor of the proposi- tion.
 Located in Long Island City by The Farmer this morning, MT. Weise ex- plained his attitude in these words:
 "I simply stated that my religious views were unalterably opposed to war; that I was an American, pa- triotic and willing to do anything can for America but that I cannot, according to my religious convictions kill for it."
 Asked as to, the reported failure to vote his church and services to the government in time of emergency he replied:
 'I was not there when the vote was taken. had attempted to read my paper on pacifism but was shouted down. The entire conference was practically against me and my relig ious belief, but I shall return to the conference this morning and pro- pose to tell them that I do not lack that patriotism they may doubt, My grandfather, who was born in Ger many, fought in the Civil War for the Union cause, and while I have Ger man blood in my veins, I thank God that it is not of the Kaiser. I am not even in sympathy with the Ger man government and I am against anywhere.
 Had I been permitted te finish my speech yesterday" he continued, 1T should hatS told the assembly that if my government wants to send me te Germany to convert it's people, not to kill them, shall be glad te go even though it cost me my life"
 On the reported statement; sIf am to choose between my God and my country I have already chosen-my God!" Rev. Weise comments;
 .'I think that any man who believes in God ought to do that: As I said yesterday in defense of my state ments, the person who seems a traitor today is considered a patriot tomor- row and I have in mind both Wash ington and Jefferson when I make that 
 tI love America for what i. has done for me but cannot change my views which are irrepacahIy against the talk ing of human Efe.s