The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-05-16
SOUTHERN BAPTIST WOMEN WIN. EQUAL
 RIGHTS IN CHURCH
Convention Passes Resolu- ton by Overwhelming Vote Following Spirited De-
 bate on Subject


 Of the southern Baptist churches today were granted full and equal rights with men Tn the convention of the churches, by an overwhelming vote at the sixty third session of the Southern Raptisf convention. By the action taken. which consisted of an amendment te the convention constitution, women now aEc entitled not only to reuresept their churches in the conventions, but also to hold any office ir the eouveu- ton. which is the highest adminis-
 Ne organization in the denoml- nation.
 THREE-H0UR DEBATE
 me vote was taken after three hours or rather strenuous debate. The large taoernacie in which the convention is be- ing held was crowded to its capacity, and large portion of the audience was com posed Of women, who are here to attend the womans missionary union of the churches. They were permitted to attend the convention today as visitors.
 Alter the vote was announced. divi- sion or roll call was demanded by some Of the opponents to the amendment, but was withdrawn, and the constitution was so that women now may participate in any and all matters of church govern ment. Then the delegates and women visitors rose to sing. Blessed Be the Tie that Binds'
 NOWLIN LEADS OPPOSITION
 4T Tkn A.. led by pr. W. D. Nowlin. Louisville. Ky, and Dr. A. s. Petite, Whitesville. Ky.
 Advocates of the measure were led by Dr. F. c. Mcconnell of Atlanta, R. H. Coleman of Dallas. Dr. Mcconnell made vigorous plea to the women on what he called a basis of common Christian justice"
 He characterized opposition to the amendment as .'un-Christian' because it was Christianity that has liberated woman from slavery. and therefore does it behoove our Lordly brethren to deny to them what Christ has given?"
 Dr. Mcconnell also painted a dramatic word picture of what women are doing in the world war, which he called the greatest pieSSlHS cl Gou tO humanity since Calvary"
 MT. Coleman's work in behalf of the was confined to pioneering activities among the delegates.
 REPORTS OF BOARDS
 Because of the length of debate on that other convention business was restricted and the days session closed with the reports of the home and foreign missions boards and the Sun day school board.
 B. D. Gray, corresponding secretary of tho home mission board, in making his report, requested contribution or ap- portionment by the churches of $1 900, ,0oU to advance the work of the church next year among the army cantonments, where he declared excellent results were being 
 The report of the foreign missions board showed that the churches for the first time in their history had contributed more than million dollars for foreign missions The exact amount was given as s1,0c6.lSs. It was reported that for the first time in the history of the work a state had contributed more than $100,- 900. both Texas and Virginia having that honor.
 GROWTH IN FOREIGN LANDS
 As result of the years work 1t was said that there were 5557 additions to the churches by baptism Tn foreign lands. Statistics submitted showed that there now are 4S4 churches established abroad by the denomination.
 The effect of the war on foreign mis- sions was touched upon particularly in the recital of losses. It was told how a handsome church at Pardenone. Italy, had been taken over by Austrians dur ing their last advance and that the building itself had been badly damaged by explosions. The night session of the convention wae given over to devotional exercises. the sermon being preached by w. H. Gestweit of St. Louis, Mo.