New-York tribune., 1919-03-03
PrOteStantS
To Ask Pope to
Unite Church
Continued from page I

Continued from page
past few years representatives have
been present from the Russian Church
Church.
Bishop Wellcr's own consccration
was the occasion for ono Of the most
remarkable gatherings ever known in
this country. Present Mt this ecrvicc
in copcs and mitrcS wcrc leaders Of
the Catholic movement in tho Prot
cstant Episcopal Church in this coun-
try anda accredited representatives.
from the Russian and Old Catholic
churches. A photograph Of this group
was published in "Thc Living Church -
the official organ OF the high church
party, and was seized by the low
church leaders as vehicle Of propa-
ganda against what was called the
Komani2inG trend in the Protestant
Episcopal Church. Later the two fac
tlons came to an open division on the
subject of the Catholic movcmcnt-no
roman Catholic and the proposal to
change the name Of the Protestant
Episcopal Church to that Of the
American Catholic was very narrowly
beaten.
VIII Present Definite Proposal
Bishop Weller's announcement of
n s.I.
tons have been brought closer to-
gether. 1t is expected that the COM
mission will not only represent the
desire Of the whole body of the Prot
estant Episcopal Church for a closer
fellowship, but in addition will act as
spokesmen on definite and official pro-
rosals for the denomination in the
meetings of the World Commission of
Faith and Order.
1t was learned after Bishop Weller
had made his announcement yesterday
that several of the Protestant de-
nominations had been informally APP
preached on the matter of the con-
ference with the Pope and with the
leaders of the Holy Russian and Greek
churches and had intimated promise
of cooperation if the platform of the
league could be made broad enough for
all to stand upon.
The visit of Che three bishops will
mark an epoch in Christian Church his
tory. Informal conferences with the
Holy See have been held from time to
time, but there has been no movement
Of the scope and official sanction Of the
bishops visit. At a meeting II the Gar
den City Cathedral some years ago a
letter was read from the Rev. Dr.
Charles S. Mcfarland, executive secre-
tary of the Federal Council Of Churches
of Christ in America, which told Of a
letter he had received from the Papal
Secretary of State. This letter indi-
Gated the Willingness OF the Holy See TO
cooperate in a movement that would
bring the Christians of the world into
a closer fellowship.
VIII Recall Early Overtures
The three bishops wiz take advan-
tage Of the result of these early over
lures.
Dr.. Mcfarland was not acting for
any particular denomination, but for
united Professionalism in America. lie
was acting without mandate other
than an expressed desire. The bishops
will speak for all Anglican Catholics
as the High Church leaders call the
American and English churches. With
the tacit approval OF other Protestant
denominations. in addition, they feel
that they have a broad mandate and
that they Will be able to begin the
building of the league platform.
Bishop Weller, speaking at the
Church of ST. Mary the Virgin yestor-
day afternoon, said:
"The people may think it impossible
for such Il LEAGUE to be brought about.
They may believe US engaged in an
Impossible task through hoping that
our mission may be futile.
"1ho idcn of a league of nations was
laughed at; yet our beloved President
Wilson said that it was not impossible
and the conforrccs MT Paris actually
agreed upon a proposed constitution
for such a league,
"Things that seem impossible be-
como poseble when ma, work single
mindcdly for the good of their fcllowa
and to the glory Of God; 40 let uB hum
bly, bcsecch Him FOR His help md
guidance, for the presence Of His
cloud by day, His pillar Of fire by
night, that iii His strength we may so
forward"
Christians Want II, Says Greer
Discussing the conception and pur-
pose of the plan, Bishop Greer who
has been on the episcopal commission
10 STUDY lHc SuDJSCL uuIluP INC eIlllc
nine years of It's growth, said
at is an earnest effort 10 bring
about, if it can be effected, something
which | think every progressive Chris
tian would ike to see. The fundamen-
tai purpose, as expressed IN the orig
inal resolution, is 'to bring together all
those who believe in the religion Of
Jesus Christ.
There has grown up between the
denominations during the war a strong
bond of friendliness, strong feeling of
comradeship and common aid. Catn-
olics and Protestauts have shared the
same buildings for their services and
there have been many forms Of CO.
operation If that feeling does not
subside, surely the league is not i'm
possible, although I am not attempting
judgment as to the practically of the
idea.
"The union would not be one which
would ignore the differences between
the churches. 1t would meet them
frankly ard would, if possible, dis
sipate them.
Protestants Favor Plans
protestant commissions which have
studied the question in this country
have looked with favor on the plan
The general convention Of the Prot
estant Episcopal Church sent a special
commission to England several years