Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1919-06-14
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Editors Letter Box
World Conference

Gardiner. Maine. June 2. 1919.
Editor Kennebec Journal:
After nearly nine years OF effort. the
world conference on Faith and Order is
practically an accomplished fact. though
very much remains to be done in maxi
ing the detailed arrangements. That
will require much time, for it involves
correspondence with nearly 100 commits
sions scattered all over the world. But
apparently all the invitations necessary,
and at present possible. have been or
are being issued, and the acceptances
have been so far universal that it will
probably be thought that immediate
steps can now be taken to convene the
conference or, at least, to consider
where and when it can be convened.
When the deputation of the American
Episcopal church sailed to invite the
churches Of Europe and the Near East
it had behind it the approval of the
whole Anglican communion throughout
the world. of almost every important
Protestant. communion outside the con-
tInent OF Europe. the unofficial, but
wetghty. assurances Of the patriarch
and many influential members of the
church of Russia. and the active and
cordial sympathy Of eminent represen-
tatives Of the Holy Orthodox Eastern
churches in Greece and elsewhere, of
many distinguished Roman Catholics
all over the world and of leading Prot
estants on the continent of Europe.
Fortified by such support. the deputa-
ton has been cordially received every
where.
In London they met the archbishop OF
Cyprus, and in Paris, the acting pa
triarch of Constantinople. each OF whom
promised to call special sess on of his
Synod to consider the Official invitation
and gave assurances that it would be
accepted. In Paris they met also
Father Nicolai Velmirowitch on his
way to Serbia, of whose cordial help we
have been assured for years.
In Athens, among many other courte-
sizes shown to the deputation. the metro
politan took them to Mars Hill where he
read them st. PauIs address in Greek.
Next day the Synod formally accepted
the invitation.
The deputation were in Constantine
pie for Easter. and the invitation was
presented to and accepted by special
ses, ion of the Synod at Constantinopla.
They took part in the Easter service at
the Cathedral at which the GOSPEL was
sung in nine different languages. the
blshop OF Fond du Lac singing it in
English. They met the Armenian pa .
tfiarch in Constantinople who rromised
to transmit the invitation to the Catho-
lies of the Armenian church at Fitch.
miadzin.
A. Sofia they presenter the invitation
10 the acting metropolitan who assured
them of its acceptance as soon as the
synod could be convened and at Blu
cnarest they received d similar assur-
ance from the Metropolitan.
At Belgrade they were assisted in
their conference with the metropolitan
oy Fr. Nl1olai Vel mirowitch. Wednes-
morning the Orthodox Cathedral was
rut at their disposal ami Bishop Weller
confirmed an American lady. They also
celebrated the Holy Communion. a
number of Serbian clergy remaining
through the service. The Syn &C cept-
ed the invitation to take part in the
world conference.
They arrived in Rome May 10, where
Archbishop Cerretti arranged a special
audience for them with the Pope, but
the Pope has not felt able to appoint
representatives to the conference, con-
sldering submission to the Church of
Rome as the only possibility of reunion.
The deputation expressed their ree,.,t
at this decision. but are continuing on
their journey to invite the othe.
churches of Europe in Switzerland.
France. Belgium, Holland, Denmark.
Norway and Sweden. Two of them ara
going to Alexandria. Jerusalem and An.
tioeh.
Whatever may be the decision of in
div.dual churches. the invitation will
have been presented to all the churches
which find the motive and bond of Wis.,
IDLE unity in the life of God Incarnate