The New York herald., 1922-05-10
Sees Great Hope of World
Unity of Christians in
1925 Gathering.
PRAISES R. H. GARDINER
Proposed Changes in Episco-
palian Prayer Book Create
Little Discussion.

emphasis laid upon the work of unfit
cation Of the Christian religions at the
World Conference on Faith and Order
10 be held in Washington in 1925. were
the features of the address of Bishop
William T.. Manning at the opening
yesterday of the 139th annual con-
vention of the Episcopal diocese of
New York.
The Bishops remarks on prohibi-
tion, calling upon the clergy to instill
respect for the law into the MEM
bers of their congregations, led to a
resolution embodying the substance of
his remarks. On the Bishops sug-
gestion it was referred to the commit
tee on miscellaneous business.
At the close of the address the Rev.
DR.. Ernest M. Stires moved that $500
copies be printed and circulated among
the diocese, a suggestion that met with
unanimous approval
Ballot for Delegates.
There was little discussion about the
proposed changes in the prayer book.
which is looked upon as one OF the most
important points for the general con-
vention at Portland, Ore, In September,
aside from question from one of the
clergymen asking whether the delegates
from New York were to be instructed.
resolution was offered recommending
that no change be--made without 'due
consideration" but this was voted down,
several pointing out that the laws of the
church provided every safeguard.
Balloting for the four clerical and the
four lay deputies to the general con-
vention was begun in the afternoon.
The results are not to be announced
until the second session to-day. The
Rev DR.. c.. L. Slattery Of Grace Church.
who has been elected Bishop Coadjutor
Of Massachusetts. is expected to be
chosen as a delegate. He is one of the
special commission on the revision of
the prayer book.
Approximately 500 clergymen repre-
sentinc 800 or more churches and mis-
sons were present After holy COM
munion in the Cathedral of st. John the
Divine they marched to Synod Hall.
Healing Church Divisions.
At the beginning of his address Bishop
Manning said 1--WE are here to take
counsel and action together at the 139th
convention of this diocese. The time is
one of much uncertainty throughout the
world The lessons which we hoped the
war had taught us seem. many of them,
TO remain still unlearned."
The Conference for the Limitation OF
Armament i'm Washington. he said. had
accomplished great results and in diff
ferent way the World Faith Conference
In 1925 was expected to produce great
benefits to the Christian religion.
For twelve years. he added, "the
hopes and prayers and preparations for
this conference have continued and now
they seem to be approaching their full
filment largely through the faith. the
devotion and the literally ccaseless ef-
fort of one layman of this church, Mr..
Robert III. Gardiner. Practically all the
great religious communions of the world,
both East and West. Catholic and Prot
estant, are identified with the move
ment, with the exception Of the Roman
Catholic Church. and 1t is expected that
this communion will also be represented
either officially or unofficially.
1T will be a moving site to see the
representatives of all Christian COM
niunions throughout the world which
confess our Lord Jesus Christ as God
and Saviour coming together to find the
way for the healing of their divisions.
and for tho visible manifestation to the
world of that unity which alone can give
full power to our witness for Jesus
Christ"
Plea for Prohibition.
In his appeal to the clergy to uphold
the prohibition laws he said
'As to the principle of prohibition we
have doubtless our different views. and
we have full right to these. For my own
=, ,nt
prohibtionist. / have never held and
do not now hold thsk % drink wine or
other intoxicant t. llSderation is a
sin. II Is my bel,E,. dowever. founded
in part upon observation in the army
that prohibition properly enforced will
make us a healthier. stronger and a
better people, From information coming
to mo from many trustworthy sources I
believe that prohibition is already result
ing in improved conditions both morally
and practically in the lives and homes
of our people.
I'VE all know what our race has suf-
fered through the evils OF drink. We all
know that II this evil can be suppressed
II we can have n generation that has
not known 1t. this will mean the reduc-
ton Of poverty, disease and crime among
us For the possibility of such results
as these to our country and TO our fell
TO make such small surrender of our
personal liberties or our tastes. as Is
required. and TO see prohibition fairly
tried. But the question now is. not what
you or I think about prohibition, but
what we think about the great principle
OF respect for law. Prohibition Is now
the law of our land Those who disap-
prove this law have the right to say so
and to work in lawful ways for its
repeal But no citizen has the right 10
evade or disobey this law and no one OF
MS can do this without grave harm to
himself and to the life OF our country.
"As Bishop of this diocese call upon
al our clergy and upon all our people.
rne younger ones as well as the older
ones, to stand in this matter with their
whole strength for that respect for law
which Is vital to the life of our country
and which Is the first obligation of loyal
citizens"
The necessity for the completion of
the Cathedral was emphasized bv the
Bishop who stated that even IN its un-
finished state II Is a mighty influence
for religion" The convention will be
continued to-day.