USA > Indiana > History of the Church of the Brethren in Indiana > Part 46
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combatant service under military service, or relief work at home or abroad.
H. C. EARLY, moderator OTHO WINGER, reading clerk J. J. YODER, writing clerk
In addition to consideration of the above paper, the Conference went on record with a statement issued to the churches and to the drafted brethren. Amidst all the confusion in the world incident to the war, it is necessary to know the final authority and determining factor. It is found, not in our feeling, or popular acclaim, or persuasions of men, or in our own reasoning, but in the New Testament, which is our creed, and which is a revelation of God's Will, and which is a standard of conduct, Therefore, this Conference hereby declares her continued adherence to the principles of non-resistance held by the church since its organization in 1708.
I. We believe that war, or any participation in war, is wrong and entirely incompatible with the spirit, example and teaching of Christ.
2. That we cannot conscientiously engage in any activity or per- form any function, contributing to the destruction of human life.
THE FOUNDATION OF OUR BELIEF
I. The Old Testament was fulfilled in Christ, hence not the Chris- tian's guide. Mt. 5:17; Rom. 10:4; Gal. 3 :24,25; Eph. 2:14,15; Heb. I :2.
2. Some teachings of the New Testament, the Christian's rule of action :
I. Christians are servants of Christ. Rom. 8:9; Phillip. 2 :5.
2. Love motivates the Christian's conduct. I Jno. 3:16; Mt. 5:43-45 ; Lk. 6:27-35.
3. Human Life sacred. Mt. 6:21, 22.
4. Physical resistance and revenge is incompatible with Chris- tian conduct. Mt. 5:38,39; Rom. 12:17-21; Mt. 26:52; Jno. 18:36; 2 Cor. 10:3,4.
5. Suffering for righteousness sake a Christian's duty and privilege. Mt. 5:11, 12; Mt. 10:16-20; Jno. 15:17; Heb. 10: 32-36.
6. The instructions of John the Baptist to the soldiers. Lk. 3:14; Lk. 22:35-38.
3. The Lord's Example. I Peter 2:21-24; Mk. 15:16-20; Lk. 23 : 33f.
4. The Teachings and Example of the Apostolic Church. They endured without resistance the bitter persecution of their day.
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THE CHURCH'S ATTITUDE TOWARD THE GOVERNMENT
I. We are loyal citizens of this great nation which is a safeguard of our religious liberty and protector of our homes.
2. Our attitude to government and rules should be noted. Gov- ernments are ordained of God and their administrators are ministers of God. Rom. 13:1-7. We should pray for them. I Tim. 2:1,2. How- ever, the Word and authority of God is supreme over all. And when the demands of men and governments conflict with the Word of God, we are bound by the latter, regardless of consequences. Acts 4:19; 5: 21. Therefore we urge :
I. That our congregations pray for our rulers that war may cease and that we may again enjoy peace.
2. That they contribute liberally to relief of human suffering in men and money.
3. That they express gratitude to God for our favored posi- tion by giving freely to relief work, Red Cross, Y.M.C.A., Friends Relief Work or through our Service Committee.
4. We urge our people to put forth greatest effort in cultivating our fields and gardens, planting such crops as will contribute to the real necessities of life ; that they practice economy in food, clothing and other supplies, and thus aid a suffering world.
APPEAL FOR GREATER EFFORTS IN CHURCH AND MISSION WORK
The present crisis calls for the greatest sacrifice in the interest of suffering humanity. Our young people are eager to do something com- mensurate with the sacrifice of others. Hence the Kingdom of God should be continually held before them, that they will enlist for service. The greatest service we can render is the promotion of the Kingdom of God. We need more pastors. The Sunday School work needs to be emphasized. As other sons go to the trenches, let ours volunteer for the salvation of the world.
We urge our churches to increase their offerings for missions. No one should lay up treasures on earth but give all possible for the salva- tion of the world.
CENTRAL SERVICE COMMITTEE
A committee consisting of Brethren W. J. Swigart, I. W. Taylor and C. D. Bonsack were appointed to :
I. Represent the Church of the Brethren at Washington in all matters pertaining to the Church's relation to the Govern- ment during the war.
2. Advise with all those who visit the Training Camps to unify their work.
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3. Be the avenue for all problems of the draft and settle difficul- ties.
4. To cooperate with committees of other churches with similar views on peace.
5. Expenses of this committee to be paid by Annual Meeting Treasurer.
ANNUAL CONFERENCE OF 1919 Winona Lake, Indiana
The Annual Conference had been held at Winona Lake thrice, and the accommodations and the location were so satisfactory that it was taken for granted that when the Conference would come to the Central Region, that it would be located here. The officers of this meeting were moderator, H. C. Early of Virginia; reading clerk, Otho Winger, Indiana; writing clerk, James M. Moore of Illinois. There were 54 members of Standing Committee and 580 delegates from the local churches.
Several matters had been before the Conference for several years. One such item was, Saving Our Children for the Church; another, re- vision of Annual Meeting Minutes; another, revision of the Credential Blanks. These were all reported on, but continued. A problem settled was the qualification and duties of deacons, and a formula for the in- stallation of church officials.
Twelve new items of business were brought in from the various districts, those of major importance being placed in the hands of com- mittees for further study.
From the nature of the queries presented and a study of the reports from the General Boards and committees, it was evident the Confer- ence and the Brotherhood at large is gradually becoming more con- cerned with methods of operation and the promotion of the Kingdom through the ministry and missions. This is as it should be.
CONFERENCE OF 1922 Winona Lake, Indiana
It is about this time that the Winona Assembly decided to build a new auditorium, one that would seat 10,000 people. Since our church had been coming here every three years for some years, and planned to continue, it was considered only fair that we have a part, hence through solicitation a total of $10,000 was contributed by our people.
The organization for this year was, moderator, I. W. Taylor of Pennsylvania ; reading clerk, J. J. Yoder of Kansas; writing clerk, J. A. Dove of Virginia, with E. S. Coffman as Messenger and J. A. Buffenmyer as assistant.
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The following unfinished business was considered at this meeting : A new Church Manual, A Plan for Standing Committee, Church Hos- pital, Licensing preachers, and affiliation with the American Legion. The first three were continued by committees, the fourth was adopted as recommended by the committee and the fifth was decided against.
Again there were twelve queries of new business presented: two regarding Bethany Biblical Seminary being owned by the church; one regarding a new hymnal; two concerning the requirements for those sitting at the Communion table, and three referring to the doctrinal position of the church. These were all given over to the consideration of committees, as was also one calling for clergy permit for our travel- ing ministers. The others were of minor importance and received an answer at once.
ANNUAL CONFERENCE OF 1925 Winona Lake, Indiana
This Conference was one of the largest in attendance in the his- tory of the church, and one that was perhaps the longest remembered, for it was at this meeting that there was an outbreak of typhoid fever, contracted by drinking polluted water at the meeting. 131 deaths were later reported in the Gospel Messenger and countless others were not reported, besides many who were sick with the disease and recovered.
There were 69 members of Standing Committee and 562 delegates from local churches, making a voting body of 631. The conference was organized with Otho Winger as moderator, D. W. Kurtz as reader and I. B. Book, writing clerk. Chas. Morris and Foster Statler were messengers. The office of writing clerk had been increased to a three-year term in 1924 and Brother Book, who had been secretary that year was continued until his death in 1930.
Seven matters of important unfinished business were considered. The church hospital had been considered for several years, and while freely discussed, was not yet ready for final action. The Hymnal Committee after several years of work in preparation, completed their work and were dismissed. The commission on educational problems had labored long and faithfully. Part of their work was continued. Bethany Biblical Seminary was taken over as property of the Church. The problem regarding the work in small State Districts was consid- ered but continued for further study by the Council of Promotion. Since there had been a difference in administering the anointing serv- ice in various parts of the country, a committee who had considered the matter recommended a serious study of the service and that ministers be governed by circumstances and the guidance of the Holy Spirit in the matter hereafter. The General Ministerial Board gave new direction as to the ministerial and pastoral care of the churches.
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A new ruling on resident and non-resident members was adopted at this meeting, thereby attempting to unify and increase the work of the Kingdom.
Much of the new business was placed in the hands of committees for study and report later. None of major importance was passed at this meeting.
ANNUAL CONFERENCE OF 1929 North Manchester, Indiana
This year a large tent was erected on vacant ground just north of the College buildings, and many of the rooms in the College were used for smaller gatherings. The Conference was not as largely attended as it had been at Winona Lake.
Officers for the meeting were H. K. Ober of Pennsylvania, mod- erator ; J. M. Moore of Pennsylvania, reading clerk; I. B. Book, writ- ing clerk; Charles Zunkle and I. R. Beery were messengers. The Stand- ing Committee numbered 68 and the delegates from churches were 550.
There were but three items of unfinished business for considera- tion at this meeting; one from the General Aid Society calling for a Board of Women's Work; one asking for help for aged ministers and missionaries, and the other for greater concern in regard to doctrinal teaching in the churches. All of these were of major importance but were not ready for final adoption, hence were continued for further study.
In the new business a strong request came for the conference to appoint a committee to work out plans for a union between all the Brethren bodies. Conference answered by appealing for greater unity in the Church of the Brethren and to receive in the regular way all who desire to unite with us. Strong requests came for this Con- ference to request the proper authorities to ban the theory of evolution from our schools and colleges, since it is in direct opposition to the Bible. Conference placed it in the hands of the Board of Religious Edu- cation.
CONFERENCE OF 1932 Anderson, Indiana
The 134th Annual Conference met at the above named place June 8-14, 1932. The meetings were held in a lovely wooded grove. The attendance was not as large as usual in the central region of the coun- try. Officers of the meeting were, moderator, D. W. Kurtz; reading clerk, Charles D. Bonsack; writing clerk, J. E. Miller ; messengers, D. C. Gnagy and Galen T. Lehman. Standing Committee numbered 65 and there were 340 delegates from churches.
In the unfinished business, the following items were considered :
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for some years the question had been considered as to what are active and inactive members. The General Ministerial Board offered a solu- tion which is still in operation. The deaconship had been under con- sideration also for some time by a committee, but their report was not satisfactory, so they were continued. A number of districts had presented queries in the past concerning the order of business at our Conferences. After a committee had considered and reported on the matter a few times, an agreement was reached which has continued with a few changes. A committee on Fraternal Relations had previously been appointed to work out a plan whereby an exchange of greetings might be extended between the various Brethren bodies. Such a com- mittee has continued ever since, and has seemingly succeeded in draw- ing the various bodies together until organic union may be possible in the not too far distant future.
A few important items of new business were presented. One, pro- posing a change in the committee of arrangements was given to a com- mittee for further study, as was also one on divorce and remarriage. A query referring to the matter of building and financing churchhouses was given over to the General Ministerial Board for further study.
The country was in the midst of a great financial depression at this time, and as a result some churches were considering dropping their pastoral program. Conference passed an urgent request that they con- tinue, and that ministers continue to serve at a sacrifice, that the work of the Kingdom may not suffer.
The Board of Religious Education was the medium of sev- eral queries. One from the Young People asking to build up a church program of international goodwill by relief work among suffer- ing people. Another from the Young People and the Women's Work that we reaffirm our position on the Eighteenth Amendment. Both of these were passed favorably. The name of the Board of Religious Education was changed to Board of Christian Education. A final paper from that board gave a statement of the church's position on war, which was adopted.
ANNUAL CONFERENCE OF 1935 Winona Lake, Indiana
This was the seventh and final Conference held at beautiful Winona Lake. It was held June 5-1I, 1935. The officers were C. C. Ellis, moderator ; Rufus D. Bowman, reading clerk; J. E. Miller, writ- ing clerk; with C. G. Hesse and John H. Good as messengers.
Not as many items of business came for action at this conference, but they were important. One called for a later date in the year to hold our conferences. This was placed in the hands of a committee for study. Since discipline has become lax in our Brotherhood as well as in other
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Protestant bodies, a committee was requested to study the matter and it was granted. Another query called for a committee to give counsel to conscientious objectors in time of war. This was also granted.
The General Ministerial Board, after making an intensive study of the Ministerial Policy as it relates to the pastoral problem; their call, term of service, and change of pastors ; the procedure in the place- ment of pastors; and the duties of Ministerial Boards-local, district and general-and their relation to each other, gave a lengthy report. However it was recommitted to the Board for further study. Another committee was made responsible for study of the problem of Home Mis- sions. The committee that had been at work on the deaconship question for five years brought a report that was adopted. It summarized the former minutes on the question of their qualifications, their call, their installation and their term of service. The question of Associate Mem- bership was proposed in a query. After consideration it was placed in the hands of the General Ministerial Board for study. A restatement of the Church's position on War and Peace was presented by the Peace Commission of the Board of Christian Education and was adopted. It follows :
"Conscious of the growing danger of war in the world today and feeling the need of a reaffirmation of our stand on peace and war, we, the Peace Commission of the Church of the Brethren, through the Board of Christian Education, recommend to the Annual Conference of 1935 the adoption of the following statement, which statement shall be submitted to the proper officials of our federal government and to the leaders of other churches in America :
"As a people we have opposed war at all times throughout our en- tire history of over two hundred twenty-five years and we have stood with equal consistency for constructive peace principles in all relation- ships of life. We hate war because we love peace, our way of life at all times. It has been the practice of the church through the years to require of applicants for membership a pledge not to engage in war nor learn the art of war. In our constant attempt to be truly devoted to the highest interest of our country, we have recognized that our supreme allegiance is to God, and we believe that recognition commits us to the highest standard of Christian citizenship by which we can serve our country and our God. We believe a Christian regard for other people increases rather than decreases our respect for and our attachment to our own nation.
"We believe that all war is sin; that it is wrong for Christians to support or to engage in it; and that war is incompatible with the spirit, example and teachings of Jesus. We believe that war is not inevitable. These beliefs are not based upon a peculiar peace doctrine of our own; they arise from our application of Christian standards to all human rela-
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tions, whether individual, group, class, or national. To settle conflicts in any of these relationships by war is not efficient, not constructive, not permanent, and certainly not Christian. We believe that non-violence, motivated by goodwill, is more powerful than the sword, making pos- sible the survival of both parties, while warfare insures the ultimate de- struction of both. War is a far greater calamity to victor and vanquished alike, than would be the hazards incidental to a renunciation of war by a nation and the settlement of all their disputes by peaceful means.
"We believe that armaments for nations, like weapons for private defense, do not bring security, but rather intensify the dangers of con- flict, as present world conditions tragically testify. We do not believe in the expenditure of our substance for those instruments which endanger our peace and safety. We believe in the only real preparedness for our nation-goodwill, and the agencies through which it may be expressed and maintained.
"We believe the whole war system is futile, always leaving more problems than it settles, if it settles any. Today, only a few years after winning the 'war to end war,' the United States is in the midst of the greatest of war preparation, and our country shares with other nations the general feeling of insecurity throughout the world. We believe that true democracy, 'Government of the people, by the people, and for the people,' is consistent with the spirit and principles of Christianity. But the fruit of war is not democracy; war destroys democracy as the prevalence of dictatorships of the communist, fascist, or other varie- ties, testifies. We cannot 'make the world safe for democracy,' by war.
"Consequently, we are committed to such interests as a program of peace education for all people; the development and support of the nec- essary international institutions to settle the disputes between nations by means other than war; the promotion of better relations between conflicting social or economic groups within our country ; and honesty and a spirit of public service in our government.
"Likewise we are committed in our active opposition to all such interests as appropriations for military purposes ; the manufacture of the munitions of war either for private profit or by the government ; the teaching of the doctrines of military preparedness which are so un- sound and so unchristian; voluntary or compulsory military training in our secondary schools and colleges; the challenge of our so-called 'war games' to other nations; the enactment of laws conscripting men or property for military purposes; neutrality laws that permit our citi- zens to profit from the trade of belligerents and draw us into wars; and the secret influence of munitions makers and military officials in conferences called to reduce or abolish armaments.
"Therefore, as Christian citizens, we are devoted in principle and
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in action to the furtherance of every effort by our own nation or any other nation to promote peace in the world, and we are equally devoted in our opposition to those forces within or without our country which make for war, for class struggle, for civil disorder, or for personal con- flict."-Commission : C. Ray Keim, O. W. Neher, L. W. Shultz.
Answer of Conference: We adopt this as our position on war and peace.
CONFERENCE OF 1939 Anderson, Indiana
For the second time the General Conference convened at Ander- son, Indiana. The officers of the meeting were, D. W. Kurtz, mod- erator; J. E. Miller secretary, and R. W. Schlosser, reading clerk; with R. L. Sherfy and Clarence Bowman as messengers.
A query brought in a year before asked what should be the attitude of the church toward one who enlists for military service, and what constitutes a member in good standing. The first part was answered by referring to past conference decisions and that such a one could not be held in full accord with the church though he should be dealt with in brotherly love and forbearance. The second part of the question was given over to the General Ministerial Board for answer. They recom- mended that in emergency cases one who lives a consistent Christian life and supports the church by attendance and gifts could be considered in full standing. Their recommendation was accepted.
Another query from the year before concerned the Bethany Hos- pital. A committee who had investigated presented a lengthy report set- ting forth the present condition of the Hospital. The committee was continued with two new members added.
Under the head of new business a query called for General Board members not to succeed themselves more than once. Conference refer- red this to a committee for study. Another query calling for Brethren Cooperative Insurance was also referred to a committee for study. The Council of Boards brought a request appealing for money to be used in relieving the sufferings in a war-stricken world, especially in China and Spain. Their request was granted by the Conference.
ANNUAL CONFERENCE OF 1945 North Manchester, Indiana
The 159th recorded Conference of the Church of the Brethren con- vened at North Manchester, Indiana, June 6-10, 1945. A few years previous the United States was divided into five regions : the South- eastern, the Eastern, the Central, the Western, and the Pacific, the Con- ference to be located in one each year; the order being Southeastern, Western, Eastern, Central and Pacific; hence it was located in the
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Central region this year. The sessions of the Conference were held in the College auditorium. Because of the war conditions the attendance was restricted though there was a large delegate attendance-83 on Standing Committee and 680 from the churches, making a voting body of 763.
The Conference theme was "Witnessing for Christ-'ye are my witnesses.' " The officers of the meeting were : Warren D. Bowman, moderator, with Rufus Bucher alternate; William Beahm, secretary and Calvert Ellis, reader; J. Clyde Forney and Nevin Zuck were mes- sengers.
For some years there had been a movement on for a general re- organization of the General Boards, and greater emphasis on Home Missions. A committee had been studying the situation for some time. Through their recommendation at this conference a commission of fif. teen brethren were elected to study the whole church organization and area of service. This commission was appointed. A query was also be- fore the Conference relative to nominations for the various Board members. Conference decided that Standing Committee meet earlier and take more time for study, then submit two names for each office to be filled, these nominations to be voted on by the delegate body.
A year earlier queries had come in calling for a study of the own- ership and control of church properties. A committee had been appointed to study the problem. Their report this year recommended that in each district a committee work with the churches to provide a system in harmony with their state law.
Another important item of unfinished business was a study of the need for more efficient teaching to stem the tide of inactive member- ship. A committee had been at work on the problem but could only report progress, hence were continued. A committee had also been studying the problem of Ministerial discipline. They reported that Conference already has sufficient rulings on the matter and referred to Revised Minutes pp. 90-92.
For many years interest had been shown in a Historical Society for the preservation of records and materials of historical interest. Pre- viously a committee had been appointed to study the field. They pre- sented a comprehensive report at this meeting and recommended a continuing committee to collect materials at Elgin and through the Col- leges. Their recommendation was adopted.
A year earlier Standing Committee asked the Conference Trustees to study and report on their responsibilities, activities and legal status. They reported progess at this meeting but asked for more time to complete their task, which was granted.
Several years previous, by action of Annual Conference, the Church of the Brethren began affiliation with the Federal Council of
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Churches of Christ in America. This action caused much disturbance and dissatisfaction in the Brotherhood. In 1944 a committee had been appointed to study the facts and report this year with a view of unify- ing the church. They presented a very complete report and recom- mended that the church continue to affiliate, and that a committee be appointed to create a better understanding in the church. Conference deliberated at length on the question and the report of the committee, and finally voted favorably on the committee's recommendations.
A large per cent of the new business this year related to finance. A request came for a mutual aid society to help young people establish homes. This was referred to the Church Investment Council for study. Another request asked for special Sunday School lessons each year em- phasizing the distinctive doctrines and ordinances of the church. This was turned over to the Board of Christian Education for consideration. Another query asked that a study be made to better serve the colored race in our country. This was given over to the Council of Boards to consider.
The Board of Christian Education brought a request for the pub- lication of a new hymnal. This was authorized with the understanding that the new hymnal be ready by 1950. The Board of Christian Edu- cation was authorized to proceed in preparing the hymnal.
The Council of Boards presented an appeal for special emphasis on Evangelism, both through the church and Sunday School. Thir- teen queries relating to various phases of finance, covering the Budget, Pensions, the Colleges and Seminary, Brethren Service and Missions, etc. all received due consideration and were granted.
The nation was considering compulsory military training for young men at this time, and the Council of Boards prepared a statement which was endorsed by the Conference to be presented in person by the moderator, giving the church's position on it.
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HISTORY OF THE CHURCH
OF THE PRETHREN IN
IN DIANA
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