Evening star., 1955-06-05
By CASPAR NAMES
Star stan Correspondent

WESTMINSTER, Md. June 4.
-Methodists Of the Baltimore
Annual Conference today moved
O step In the direction Of even
tual integration with the colored
Methodist Annual Conference.
The delegates, representing
$4,000 Methodists in the Balti-
more Washington Western
Maryland area, approved a mo-
ton inviting the Board Of Social
and Economic Relations of the
Washington Conference ito a
Joint meeting for the purpose Of
calling a meeting of the members
Of the two conferences to confer
together about practical steps
that may be taken for the even
tual achievement of structural
integration on the conference
level"
Confusion rather than conflict
featured discussion leading to
passage Of the resolution.
Called Vague
The mixup began when the
Rev. j. Artley Leatherman,
pastor Of Hamline Methodist
Church. Washington, submitted
q motion suggesting the Board of
Social and Educational Rela-
tions Of both conferences meet
to consider practical steps for
common activities.
There is no time limit on this
motion but since the Supreme
Court decision I am sure we don't
want any more headlines saying
'Methodists row over racial in
tegration,'" DR.. Leatherman said.
II appeal to you that we take
the next logical and easiest step,
which seems to me fellowship to-
gether. 1t seems to me that these
members Of the Methodist
Church, while separated from us
organizationally. might have fell
lowship with us and participate
with US In the next annual con-
ference"
Several speakers then claimed
the motion a. drawn was too
vague. Dr.. Orris q. Robinson, of
Warrington, presented q substi-
tute.
His motion at first failed to
convey the issue clearly to many
conference members. Methodist
Bishop @. Bromley Oman, of
Washington. who was presiding,
then asked DR.. Robinson to read
his statement again.
After making several attempts,
the minister said. II cannot read
my handwriting. I am as con-
fused as the previous speaker"
Brother. you are confused" I"
Bishop Oman agreed.
The motion eventually was
Strengthened out.
The Rev. Clarence C. Knapp,
pastor Of Waverly Methodist
Church. warned II personally
think we are pushing this thing
out Of proportion to what is best
for a Christian. I cannot see why
we are forcing integration, COM
plicating situation which if left
to natural pressures will clarity
itself in time. The only thing
forcing it will do is to create
problems we cannot solve. ]
I wonder u 1t is practical Chris
tianity to do something that is
fine Realistically but not i'm
inediately practical"
Peculiar Position
DR.. M. j. Shroyer, a professor
at Westminster Theological
Seminary. told the delegates,
1--WE in the church must remem-
ber we are in a peculiar position.
We have long enough as Chris
tians assumed that we are not
subject to the rulings Of our fell
low men. This conference should
make q step in the direction
which your community has to
take dntegration in the public
schools). I see no reason for not
going ahead with some sort Of
meeting Of the two conferences"
I Asserting that the conference
should lead every forward ad-
vance rather than following, the
Rev. Richard F. Veith Of Mil
ton Avenue Methodist Church.
Baltimore. said, I'VE should be
in the forefront Of this move
ment that Is taking place by
the grace of God"
The Rev. Francis H. Love of
North Hartford Methodist Church
pointed out that according to
Methodist Church law anyone
who applies for membership to
the church and meets its re-
quirements has q right to be ad-
Initted as a member. Since we
have this right already, I feel
we are making q mountain out
Of . molehill."
Further support
After the resolution was over
whelmingly approved by the del
egates on show Of hands, the
Rev. John A. Mote Of Perry
Hall Methodist Church. Balti-
more submitted a motion calling
on local churches to support the
Supreme Courts decision on in
tegration in public schools.
"Since integration Is now the
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