Evening journal., 1920-03-01
BISHOP THOMAS
DECLINES CALL
ContInued frnm FIrst page


convinced that should leave Wyoming
10 so TO Delaware
While In this city, Rishop Thomas
spoke OF views from Wyoming hnl-
tops which would show at glance IAN
area as large as little Delaware and
IN other references showed his great
Interest In his missionary diocese
OF Wyoming, where he has two hos
pitais, cathedral. Indian schools. and
various other projects under way.
merger OF the diocese Of Delaware
with the Maryland-Delsware Peninsula
churches into one diocese Is strongly
advocated by Bishop Thomas, in a per-
sonal letter TO DR.. Kirkus. Such a mer-
ger, he intimates, would afford suf-
fcient scope for the energies OF
bishop desirous OF achieving great re-
suits for the church.
While greatly disappointed, members
Of the local diocese respect the blsh-
ops decision, fully realizing that he Is
engaged in a work OF vast Importance
In great missionary field.
A second election will be held at
the annual convention OF me diocese
In May. II Is Thought there may be
difficulty in agreeing upon a second
oand date. since sentiment was widely
divided among members Of the oonven-
ton at the special election In regard
10 canadldalies other than Bishop
Thomas.
It will be remembered that the other
candidates nominated at the special
election were Bishop Suffragan Thomas
J. Garland OF Pennsylvania. the Rev.
r. NJ. Jeferies Philadelphia, the Rev.
phil'p Cook BaltimOre. the Rev. George
Davnpori. New York, the Rev. Fred
erick NJ Kirkus, Wilmington, the Rev.
Martin Aigner, Pennsylvania, the Rev.
Alhan {. nlchey, Wilmington. Although
not formally placed In nomination,
Archdescon Thompson. Of Dover. snd
the Rev. Harry O1lcer New York, also |
received votes. One OF these candidates |
may be elected or new names may
be considered Bishop Garland received
the most vOles next TO Bishop Thomas
ct the special convention. There isl
some question as to whether he would |
accept the call II elected as Bishop OF
Delaware.
The letter OF Bishop Thomas, declin-
ing the call to Delaware, and the an
swer sent TO him by DR.. Kirkus are as
follows:
TO the Committee OF Notification,
diocese OF Delaware,
per Fred NJ. Kirkus, Chairman.
"Brethren / have given long ana
constant thought to the call from Della
ware | have sought council. ] have
said nv prayers. Now | come TO my
decision, as | hope, led by the spirit
lf God.
81 have considered the great oppor-
unItles for service which Delaware at
affords, and the remarkaDle out
ook for heipfulness to the work OF the
ieneral Church, which the bishop OF
delaware must enjoy. | have also
weighed the needs and opportunities
Df wyoming, and the probable effect
upon the missionary. cause, should
cave these needs and opportunities TO
accept others Of a weight seemingly SO
nearly equal.
"The burden Of proof rests not with i
ne. | am not convinced that | should
cave wyoming to so to Delaware. /
must therefore decline to accept my
election 10 become Bishop OF Delaware
n spite OF its remarkable unanlmity.
with thankfulness to God that you es-
eemed me worthy OF this high honor,
believe me TO be
Faithfully yours.
IN. S. THOMAS"
Mr.. Kirkus' answer TO the Bishops
follows:
"My Dear Bishop Thomas: (
al have just received your letter ad-
iressed 70 the Committee OF NOtlflca-
ion, announcing your decision 10 de- &
,line the call to be bishop Of Delaware.
II am sure that ! express the feeling