Fulton County tribune. (Wauseon, Ohio) 1883-1925, 1920-06-04
NJ. {. GENERAL
CONFERENCE

Inc MeLHoulSC EplScOpdl General
Conference which adjourned at
DeMoines, | owa last week
Thursday is considered by church
authorities one of the most epoch-
making in the history of the denomi
nation.
The Conferences final action was
to go on record in favor of the In
terchurch World Movement and tc
give this united effort of many
churches the strongest kind of an
endorsement. Following closely upon
somewhat similar action by many
denominations, this endorsement ap-
parently place Interchurch Move
ment in strong position despite the
will place the Interchurch Movement
in a strong position, despite the
smaller financial showing in the re-
cent campaign than had been hoped
for.
Bishop Berry in closing the Con-
ference placed strong emphasis on
the worldwide vision which charac-
terized the sessions. No General
Conference has ever been as literally
disposed toward the work in foreign
lands as this one.
Among the more important actions
taken during the months session are
the following.
Endorsement of the Interchurch
World Movement.
Abolition of the missionary episco-
pacy, with accompanying distinctions
between home and foreign fields.
Election of two negro bishops,
eliminating race boundaries in the
church's highest office.
Election of seventeen new bishops
mainly for foreign fields the greatest
number ever. created at one session.
The largest number previously
created at one General Conference
was eight.
Continuance of negotiations for
uniication with the Methodist Epis-
copal Church South, ignoring the
plan proposed by former committee
by much larger vote than four
years ago.
Created a board to manage homes
and hospitals of the church.
Created a commission of 125 re-
presenting all important churcn
boards, to manage Centenary Con-
servation work
Heartily endorsed the great Cen
tenary movement and its leaders.
Gave women right to become 90
cal ministers" but defeated proposal
to ordain them as full-fedged minis
ters.
Proposed change of age-honored
name, Quarterly conference to 90
cal" conference.
Set age when ministers may vol
UNFAIRLY retire at 65. Heretofore ali
proposed retirements had to be ap-
proved by vote of annual confer
ence.
Refused to strike from the rules
the question "Do you believe in the
New Testament doctrines of faith as
taught in the Articles of Religion of
the Methodist Episcopal Church, a
question asked of all candidates for
membership. The question was a
constitutional one.
Refused TO merge certain Advo-
Gates into one stronger publica-
ton.
Indorsed proposed Armenian man
date, and asked president and senate
to oet together on the League Of
Nations.
Decried efforts to embroil the
United States in Irish Republic
question.
Adopted policy of Hberality in
missionary work, unprecedented II
the churches history.
Adopted conservative policy or
proposed financial appeals.
Defeated plans seeking limit pow
er and term of bishops.
Took strong ground against at
tempts to nulify Prohibition.
Ordered that no books should b.
in ministerial course of study which
do not agree witr the doctrines o1
the Methodist Episcopal Church.
Bishop Berry, in his closing ad
dress, emphasized "the trend to
ward superfciality in spiritual life
as zone startling peril to the Meth
odism of our day.