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Renew online by choosing the My Account option at: http://www.library.uiuc.edu/catalog/ DEC 2 8 2006 OF ARY VIPAIGN KS Christian Work For Men and Boys & outline!) bp Jf eberal Council of the Churthes of Christ in America, g-pllabus preSenteb at ®he Christian Conserba- tion Congress of the iHen anb ^Religion Jf ortoarb Jllobement, Carnegie Hall, iSeto gorfe Citp, Spril 19-24, 1912 ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS LIBRARY AT URBANA-CHAMPAIGN BOOKSTACKS Christian Work For Men and Boys & outlineb bp ®be Jfeberal Council of tfje Churches of Christ in America. £§>pllabus preSenteb at ®he Christian Constella- tion Congress of the ifflen anti Religion Jfor toarb jfflobement, Carnegie Hall, Jleto gorfe Citp, Slprtl 19-24, 1912 £•> ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ Jfttaral Council of tfje Cijurcljes of Cljriot in America E. R. Hendrix* D.D., President William H. Roberts, D.D., Chairman of the Executive Committee E. B. Sanford, D.D., Corresponding Secretary Alfred R. Kimball, Treasurer Rev. Charles S. Macfarland, Ph.D., Acting Executive Secretary of the Council , and Secretary of the Commission on the Church and Social Service Rev. Frederick Lynch, Secretary of the Commission on Peace and Arbitration ©fje Commission on tfte Cimrcf) ant> Social Service Frank Mason North, D.D., Chairman Charles S. Macfarland, Secretary Caroline W. Chase, Assistant to the Secretary Secretarial Cabinet Chairman, the Secretary of the Commission Rev. Henry A. Atkinson Professor Samuel Z. Batten, D.D. Rev. Frank M. Crouch >\. i c Rev. Charles Stelzle Rev. Harry F. Ward Rev. Warren H. Wilson, Ph.D. Rational ©Ificesf, 16U Clarentam ISuilbing, 215 Jfourtfj Sfafnue ileto gorfe w m /fee. h g>pUatius 2To Uccompanp tfje 3t>t>reSS before tfje Consetbation Congress, Jftibap, Spill 19. 1912 J5p 3&eb. Cfjarltg g>. JUacfadanb, JMj.ZD. 1. HISTORICAL SKETCH There are three ideals or forms of church unity. The first is repre- sented by the hierarchy at Rome. The second, which looks toward unity of thought and form of administration, is represented by the proposed Conference on Faith and Order. The third does not enter into the question of faith .gnd order, but, under the principle of unity with diversity, holds to the federal concep- tion as contrasted with ecclesiastical uniformity, seeking to unite in com- mon service all forms of faith and order under the Lordship of the same Master, Jesus Christ. It is represented by the Federal Council and its spirit and ideal have found expression in the Men and Religion Forward Movement. At Philadelphia, November 12, 1895, at the annual meeting of the Open and Institutional Church League, the secretary of that organi- zation, Rev. E. B. Sanford, D.D., in an address calling upon the . churches for social service, gave prophetic utterance of the call for Christian unity as a sovereign necessity in the work of the League. At the same time, the New York City Federation of Churches was organized, the two institutions being supported by the same group of men. Thus local federation at the bottom and national federation at the top were simultaneous and co-ordinate. — Ty these Joint Committees, under the guidance of Dr. Sanford, there was called in New York in 1900, a delegated meeting which authorized the action that brought about in Philadelphia, the next year, a National J Federation of Churches, whose membership was composed of representa- tives of local churches and federations. The Executive Committee of the ..meeting in 1900 sent forth an utterance asking the question, “May we 'Onot also look forward to a National Federation of all our Protestant Christian denominations, through their official heads, which shall utter a declaration of Christian unity and accomplish in good part the fulfill- * ment of the prayer of our Lord, ‘that they all may be one, that the world may know that Thou hast sent me.’ ” 1 At the annual meeting of the National Federation in Washington, in 1902, a Committee of Correspondence was authorized to request the highest ecclesiastical or advisory bodies of the evangelical denominations to appoint representative delegates to a Conference to be held in 1905. This Conference at New York adopted the Constitution of the Federal Council of the Churches of Christ in America, which, after ratification by the constituent bodies in its fellowship, brought about the final and complete organization of the Federal Council at Philadelphia in 1908. This, in brief, is the story of the great historic achievement of a con- stitutional federation binding together the larger part of the Protestant church-life of the United States, with a constituency which in com- municant membership and family relations represents something like 50,000,000 of the people. It is especially to be noted that the Federal Council of the Churches of Christ in America is not simply an interdenominational fellowship. It is an official, organized instrumentality, just as organized in its consti- tution as the denominations themselves, through which the churches of the nation which hold to evangelical Christianity, may manifest to the world not only their mutual sympathy, but their essential unity in work- ing together in matters of common concern. It is not simply a voluntary agency of the church. It is the church itself. Quietly, but effectively, the Federal Council has voiced the convic- tions of the churches on social and industrial questions, international peace and arbitration, separation of Church and State, and in so doing those in high places of official authority in the nation have learned that the Protestant churches are moving together. While the Federal Council is thus a great ideal of Church Unity, it is also an ideal which is taking shape in realization. It will soon have passed its experimental stages, and is rapidly assuming readiness for those tasks and opportunities which can only be met by united action. It has not proceeded by the processes of reduction. Its work has been constructive. It has not divided ; it has united. Indeed, denomina- tional values have not been reduced, but rather increased through all the common movements. Denominationalism has only been removed so far as it was a hindrance to united and effective action. The motto has been, “Not to destroy, but to fulfill.” While Christian unity as a sentiment in the life of the nation has sought expression in many forms and utterances, it may be said that its practical and official achievement has been in and through the Federal Council. 2 Guided by the initiative influence and aid of the National offices, twenty- two State Federations and over fifty City and other local Federations have been organized, many of which are already doing effec- tive work, and many others of which are in a process of reasonable de- velopment. In addition to these, something like one hundred and fifty Federations of various forms are working toward a larger ideal and its completer fulfillment. The standing Committees of the Council sustain increasingly helpful relations with all the missionary and interdenominational organizations supported by the churches in its fellowship, and its federative work, especially in relation to Home Missions, is a marked example of the ways in which its own particular mission becomes a part of the mission of each and every denominational body in its constituency. The Council now consists of thirty-one of the national denominations and church bodies, through delegates officially appointed by the authority of the highest ecclesiastical judicatories of those bodies. In meeting their apportionment of expenses and co-operating in common work, evidence has been given of increasing interest and loyalty to the com- mon cause and the desire for united service. In many ways, the Men and Religion Forward Movement has made another epoch in the life of the Federal Council and, as will be set forth in the following plans, has greatly increased its opportunities for usefulness. 2. CHURCH FEDERATION The mission of the Federal Council is, in part, as follows: 1. That of expressing the common consciousness of the united churches upon matters of mutual and public interest, and of rendering such ser- vice to the nation and to the world as may be performed by the churches through common and united action. 2. That of co-ordinating and correlating the work of the various denominations, especially in those matters in which unity of action is called for by the mutual interests involved; the distribution of effort, and the prevention of duplication, in covering the whole ground of service. 3. That of inspiring the formation of State, County, City, Town, or other local federations of churches, of guiding in their development and serving as a clearing-house, so that each may help all and the impor- tant experiences which are common to all, be placed at the disposal of each. 3 4. That of co-ordinating the work of these various local federations in their common interests and tasks, so that towns, cities and states may work together co-operatively and effectively. 3. THE CONSERVATION OF THE MEN AND RELIGION FORWARD MOVEMENT Through Federation Various fragmentary and unrelated forms of federation have been proposed for conservation, but surely the bringing together of the churches themselves should promise the greatest effectiveness. Otherwise we shall have a multiplicity of federations, which, in turn, will have to be federated. The Federal Council is gathering together and studying the plans under way in the various cities, and finds that they are all practically adopting, or looking towards, a permanent local federation of the churches. The task of the moment is that of adapting the Men and Religion Forward Movement to the organization of such federations, or adjustment to federations already in existence. While the Federal Council has no organic connection with local federations (its constituency being made up of the national denomina- tions), it invites such federations to become affiliated with and to act in co-operation with the national organization. Local federations, unions, or committees should assume this relation- ship in an interest which is mutual, so that all of these federations may feel their unity and, through the Federal Council, the possessions of each may become common to all. So far as time permits, Dr. Macfarland, acting as Executive Secretary, and the other officers of the Council, will continue to visit and consult with local bodies, as they have been doing during the campaign, in the hope of ultimately reaching all sections of the country. Correspondence is invited regarding the organization, the policy and the continued work of the federations of churches. They will continue to respond, so far as possible, to invitations to meet ministers’ unions and local committees in all these interests. While the local needs and constituencies call for some variation, the following are suggested as Model Constitutions for States, Counties and Cities, as they have been found readily adjustable to such local situations. 4 MODEL CONSTITUTION FOR A STATE FEDERATION OF CHURCHES Note. — The relation between the State Federations and the Federal Council is of a purely voluntary and co-operative nature, as the Federal Council consists of delegated representatives appointed by the national denominational or church bodies. In the interest of the spirit of unity and effective co-operation, it is deemed appropriate that the State Federa- tions should give expression to their appropriate relation to the Federal Council in some such way as follows: Relation to the Federal Council The Constitution of the Federal Council of the Churches of Christ in America, organized at Philadelphia, Pa.', in December, 1908, is hereby recognized, subject to the superior authority of the respective supervising Synods, Conferences, Conventions, Dioceses, Associations and other superior Church bodies, as the basis of this State Federation of Churches, in co-operation with the said Federal Council, including the following principles as expressed in the Preamble and Plan of Fed- eration of the Federal Council, to wit: “In the providence of God, the time has come more fully to manifest the essential oneness of the Christian Churches of America in Jesus Christ as their Divine Lord and Saviour, and to promote the spirit of fellowship, service and co-operation among them.” Plan of Federation “To express the fellowship and catholic unity of the Christian Church. “To bring the Christian bodies of America into united service for Christ and the world. “To encourage devotional fellowship and mutual counsel concerning the spiritual life and religious activities of the churches. “To secure a larger and combined influence for the churches of Christ in all matters affecting the moral and social condition of the people, so as to promote the application of the law of Christ to every relation of human life. “To assist in the organization of local federations and to promote the aims of the Federal Council in their communities.” This relation with the Federal Council of the Churches of Christ in America shall be for the purpose of effecting co-operation and annual reports shall be sent to the Federal Council. 5 CONSTITUTION ARTICLE I NAME Section 1. The name shall be The Federation of Churches. ARTICLE II OBJECT Section 1. The object of this Federation shall be (1) to realize for the State of the general aims of the Constitution, and (2) more particularly to foster religious movements; to promote the spirit of comity and co-operation among all our churches; to advance the charities of the community; to safeguard the welfare of children; to encourage the feeling of mutual helpfulness among all parts of society, especially in industry; to protect the interests of the Sabbath, temper- ance, good citizenship, social purity, and law and order; and other objects pertaining to local betterment. ARTICLE III MEMBERSHIP Section 1. This Federation shall be composed of those churches in the State of that shall by vote of their supervising State De- nominational Body, as nearly as the same may be coterminous with the State, or in the absence of such vote of such superior body, then by their own individual vote, according to their respective authorized methods, agree to abide by the Constitution of this Federation, and shall duly certify in writing such action of the Council. Section 2. Any number of churches in the Federation that are in a contiguous relation may, by action of the Council, be constituted a local branch of the Federation for the purposes of more effective neighbor- hood work, but shall still be responsible constituent members of the Federation. 6 Section 3. Any church body as aforesaid may at any time with- draw from the Federation, provided it shall take a vote to that effect according to its authorized methods, and duly certify in writing such action to the Council. Section 4. If any church in the Federation shall be unwilling to co-operate in any movement determined upon by the Council, it shall be excused therefrom, upon its request to that effect duly presented to the Council. ARTICLE IV COUNCIL Section 1 . There shall be a Council to be known as the State Council of the Federation of Churches, for the purpose of representing the churches federated and to carry on the work of the Federation, which Council shall be composed of an equal number of ministerial and lay delegates, chosen by the various aforesaid State Denominational Bodies federated, in such a way that there shall be one minister and one lay delegate to each denomination of churches fed- erated for every thousand of its communicants, or major frac- tion thereof, in the State, provided that each denomination of churches federated shall be entitled to at least one ministerial and one lay dele- gate, including the Denominational Vice-President, the said delegates to be chosen, if possible, to serve in rotating classes and at the pleasure of the appointing church body; the Council to include also the officers of the Federation and the chairman of the Standing Committees, and any other person in a representative capacity, elected by a two-thirds vote at any meeting of the Council. It shall also be competent for the Council to admit to its meetings, by a two-thirds vote, any person as a corresponding member, with the right to debate but not the right to vote. Section 2. The Council shall hold its annual meeting on the of , and other regular meetings at its discretion. At such meet- ings the following shall be the order of business, to wit: Prayer, roll- call, minutes, report of the Treasurer, unfinished business, communica- tions, report of the Corresponding or Executive Secretary, reports of standing committees, reports of special committees, election of officers (if the meeting be the annual meeting), miscellaneous business. The hour and place of all meetings, together with any«necessary change of 7 date, shall be fixed by the President and the Corresponding or Execu- tive Secretary. Section 3. A special meeting of the Council or of the Federation may be jointly called by the President and the Corresponding or Execu- tive Secretary at their discretion, and the President shall always call a special meeting when requested in writing so to do by any five members of the Council, representing at least two denominations. The business of such meeting shall be limited to the matters mentioned in the call. ARTICLE V OFFICERS Section 1. The officers of the Federation and of the Council shall be a President, and two or more Vice-Presidents, a Recording Secre- tary, a Corresponding or Executive Secretary, a Treasurer, and such other officers as shall be found to be necessary by the Council; all which officers shall be elected by the Council at its annual meeting, and shall serve until the next annual meeting after their election, and until their successors shall be elected. Section 2. The President, or in his absence one of the Vice-Presi- dents, shall preside at all meetings of the Federation and of the Coun- cil. He shall appoint all committees not otherwise provided for, and shall be ex-officio a member of all committees, except where otherwise provided by the Council. Section 3. The Vice-Presidents shall be so chosen that there shall be one for each of the denominations federated. They shall be expected not only to represent their respective denominations, but also to be a means of reaching them and increasing their interest in the work of the Federation. They may also, at the discretion of the Council, be called upon to assist the Finance Committee. Section 4. The Recording Secretary shall keep the minutes of all meetings of the Council and .of the Federation, and shall attend to all other matters pertaining to the care of records. He may also, at the discretion of the Council, be appointed Recording Secretary of the Ex- ecutive Committee. Section 5. The Corresponding or Executive Secretary shall conduct the correspondence of the Council and attend to general affairs as the Council shall determine. 8 Section 6. The Treasurer shall receive all offerings from the churches and from other parties, giving receipts therefor; shall, under his official title as “Treasurer of the Federation of Churches,” deposit and keep all such moneys in a convenient bank, and pay out the same upon properly certified orders, as hereinafter provided, and shall make a detailed report of all such matters to the Council at its regular meetings and whenever requested by it so to do. Section 7. The Recording Secretary and the Treasurer shall each keep their records and accounts in permanent form in suitable books, which shall be the property of the Council, and be turned over on de- mand to their successors in office. ARTICLE VI COMMITTEES Section 1. For the purpose of facilitating the work of the Federa- tion, the Council shall appoint, or failing such appointment the Presi- dent shall appoint, from the membership of the Council or from the membership of the churches federated, or from both, the following Standing Committees, having due regard to representation of the de- nominations federated, which committees shall be composed of such num- ber, and be correlated in such way, as the Council shall determine, and, subject always to the supervisory authority of the Council, shall have the powers hereinafter mentioned, to wit: ( 1 ) An Executive Committee : Charge of matters pertaining to membership, the organization of local Federations in the counties, cities and other localities of the State; business of a general character, and other matters not specifically assigned to other committees, and any matter of emergency needing to be attended to during the interval of the meetings of the Council. The committee shall consist of the officers of the Federation, the chairmen of the standing committees and such other persons as the Council shall determine. (2) A Comity and Home Missions Committee. (3) A Sabbath Observance Committee. (4) A Temperance Committee. (5) A Social Purity Committee. (6) A Foreign Missions Committee. (7) A Social Service Committee whose duties shall be those com- monly included in the work known by that term. 9 (8) A Finance Committee. (9) A Nominating Committee of five members of at least two denominations, to propose to the Council the names of persons, suitable for officers, from which names, together with any others duly proposed at the meeting, the officers shall be elected; also to fill any vacancies until the next meeting of the Council. Section 2. Other Committees may be appointed by the Council at its discretion. Section 3. The terms of the members of all Committees shall ex- pire at the close of the annual meeting of the Council next ensuing their appointment. ARTICLE VII FINANCES Section 1 . The Council shall at its annual meeting and from time to time thereafter as it may deem expedient, determine how the funds for carrying on the work of the Federation shall be provided for; and shall have authority to appeal for funds to benevolent individuals and churches on behalf of the Federation and the Council; and shall fix the appropriations for the work ; which shall not be changed nor overdrawn except by authority of the Council. Section 2. No bill contracted by any committee shall be paid by the Treasurer unless it shall first be approved in writing by the chairman of such committee. All other bills shall, before payment, be approved in writing by the Chairman of the Finance Committee. ARTICLE VIII QUORUM Section 1. A quorum at any meeting of the Council shall consist of seven members, representing at least two of the denominations fed- erated, and at any meeting of a Committee, a majority of its members, but if any committee shall consist of more than nine members, the quorum shall be five. ARTICLE IX ELECTIONS Section 1. All elections shall be by ballot. 10 ARTICLE X AMENDMENT Section 1. This Constitution may be amended at any meeting of the Council by a two-thirds vote of the members present, provided that due notice of any proposed amendment shall have been given in writing at a preceding meeting of the Council, or shall, upon the request of any five members of the Council, representing at least two denominations, have been inserted in the notice of the meeting at which the amendment is to be acted upon. MODEL CONSTITUTION FOR A FEDERATION OF CHURCHES OF A COUNTY OR CITY Relation to Federal Council ( See note at top of page 5) Section 1. The Constitution of the Federal Council of the Churches of Christ in America, organized at Philadelphia, Pa., in December, 1908, is hereby recognized, subject to the superior authority of the respective supervising Synods, Conferences, Conventions, Dioceses, Associations and other superior Church bodies, as the basis of this Federation of Churches in co-operation with the said Federal Council, including the following principles as expressed in the Preamble and Plan of Federation of the Federal Council, to wit: “In the providence of God, the time has come more fully to manifest the essential oneness of the Christian Churches of America in Jesus Christ as their Divine Lord and Saviour, and to promote the spirit of fellowship, service and co-operation among them.” Plan of Federation “To express the fellowship and catholic unity of the Christian Church. “To bring the Christian bodies of America into united service for Christ and the world. “To encourage devotional fellowship and mutual counsel concerning the spiritual life and religious activities of the churches. “To secure a larger and combined influence for the churches of Christ in all matters affecting the moral and social condition of the people, so as to promote the application of the law of Christ to every relation of human life. 11 “To assist in the organization of local federations and to promote the aims of the Federal Council in their communities.” This advisory and co-operative relation with the Federal Council of the Churches of Christ in America shall be for the purpose of effect- ing co-operation and annual reports shall be sent to the Federal Council. This Federation may also be associated with the State Federation of Churches, if one exists. CONSTITUTION ARTICLE I NAME Section 1. The name shall be The Federation of Churches. ARTICLE II OBJECT Section 1. The object of this Federation shall be (1) to realize the general aims of the Constitution, and (2) more particularly to foster religious movements; to promote the spirit of comity and co-operation among all our churches; to advance the charities of the community; to safeguard the welfare of children ; to encourage the feeling of mutual helpfulness among all parts of society, especially in industry; to pro- tect the interests of the Sabbath, temperance, good citizenship, social purity, and law and order; and to secure other objects pertaining to local betterment. ARTICLE III MEMBERSHIP Section 1. This Federation shall be composed of those churches in that shall by vote, according to their respective authorized methods, agree to abide by the Constitution of this Federation, and shall duly certify in writing such action to the Council. Section 2. Any number of churches in the Federation that are in a contiguous relation may, by action of the Council, be constituted a local branch of the Federation for the purposes of more effective neigh- borhood work, but shall still be responsible constituent members of the Federation. 12 Section 3. Any church may at any time withdraw from the Fed- eration, provided it shall take a vote to that effect according to its authorized methods, and duly certify in writing such action to the Council. Section 4. If any church in the Federation shall be unwilling to co-operate in any movement determined upon by the Council, it shall be excused therefrom, upon its request to that effect duly presented to the Council. ARTICLE IV COUNCIL Section 1. There shall be a Council to be known as the Council of The Federation of Churches, for the purpose of represent- ing the churches federated and of carrying on the work of the Federa- tion, which Council shall be composed of the pastor of each church in the Federation, and a lay male member thereof, duly chosen to serve during its pleasure, and being, if possible, connected with a Men’s Society in such church, together with the officers of the Federation, and the chairmen of the Standing Committees, and any other person in a representative capacity, elected by a two-thirds vote at any meeting of the Council. It shall also be competent for the Council to admit to its meetings, by a two-thirds vote, any person as a corresponding member, with the right to debate but not the right to vote. Section 2. The Council shall hold its annual meeting on the fourth Monday of September, and its regular quarterly meetings on the fourth Monday of November, February and May, and other regular meetings at its discretion. At such meetings the following shall be the order of business, to wit: Prayer, roll-call, minutes, unfinished business, report of the Treasurer, communications, report of the Corresponding or Ex- ecutive Secretary, reports of standing committees, reports of special committees, election of officers (if the meeting be the annual meeting), miscellaneous business. The hour and place of all meetings, together with any necessary change of date, shall be fixed by the President in conference with the Corresponding or Executive Secretary. Section 3. A special meeting of the Council or of the Federation may be jointly called by the President and the Corresponding or Execu- tive Secretary at their discretion, and the President shall always call a special meeting when requested in writing so to do by any five members 13 of the Council, representing at least three denominations. The busi- ness of such meeting shall be limited to the matters mentioned in the call. ARTICLE V OFFICERS Section 1. The officers of the Federation and of the Council shall be a President, two or more Vice-Presidents, a Recording Secretary, a Corresponding or Executive Secretary, a Treasurer, and such other officers as shall be found to be necessary by the Council ; all which officers shall be elected by the Council at its annual meeting, and shall serve until the next annual meeting after their election, and until their suc- cessors shall be elected. Section 2. The President, or in his absence one of the Vice-Presi- dents, shall preside at all meetings of the Federation and of the Council. He shall appoint all committees not otherwise provided for, and shall be ex-officio a member of all committees, except where otherwise pro- vided by the Council. Section 3. The Vice-Presidents shall be so chosen that there shall be one for each of the denominations federated. They shall be ex- pected not only to represent their respective denominations, but also to be a means of reaching them and increasing their interest in the work of the Federation. They may, also, at the discretion of the Council, be called upon to assist the Finance Committee. Section 4. The Recording Secretary shall keep the minutes of all meetings of the Council and of the Federation, and shall attend to other matters pertaining to notice of meetings, notification of appointments and care of records. He may also, at the discretion of the Council, be appointed Recording Secretary of the Executive Committee. Section 5. The Corresponding or Executive Secretary shall conduct the correspondence of the Council, and attend to general affairs as the Council shall determine. Section 6 . The Treasurer shall receive all offerings from the churches and from other parties, giving receipts therefor; shall, under his official title as “Treasurer of the Federation of Churches,” deposit and keep all such moneys in a convenient bank, and pay out the same upon properly certified orders, as hereinafter provided, and shall make a detailed report of all such matters to the Council at its regular meetings and whenever requested by it so to do. Section 7. The Recording Secretary and the Treasurer shall each 14 keep their records and accounts in permanent form in suitable books, which shall be the property of the Council, and be turned over on de- mand to their successors in office. ARTICLE VI COMMITTEES Section 1. For the purpose of facilitating the work of the Federa- tion, the Council shall appoint, or failing such appointment, the Presi- dent shall appoint, from the membership of the Council or from the membership of the churches federated or from both, the following Standing Committees, having due regard to representation of the de- nominations federated, which committees shall be composed of such numbers, as the Council shall determine, and, subject always to the supervisory authority of the Council, shall have the powers hereinafter mentioned, to wit: ( 1 ) An Executive Committee : Charge of matters pertaining to mem- bership; the organization of any needed local branches of the Federa- tion ; business of a general character, and other matters not specifically assigned to other committees, and any matter of emergency needing to be attended to during the interval of the meetings of the Council. The committee shall consist of the officers of the Federation, and the chair- men of the standing committees and such other persons as the Council shall determine. (2) A Comity and Home Missions Committee. (3) A Sabbath Observance Committee. (4) A Temperance Committee. ( 5 ) A Social Purity Committee. (6) A Foreign Missions Committee. (7) A Social Service Committee whose duties shall be those com- monly included in the work known by that term. (8) A Finance Committee. (9) A Nominating Committee of five or more members, represent- ing at least two of the denominations federated, to propose to the Coun- cil the names of persons suitable for officers, from which names, to- gether with any others duly proposed at the meeting, the officers shall be elected; also to fill any vacancies until the next meeting of the Council. Section 2. Other committees may be appointed by the Council at its discretion, such as Bible Study and Christian Education, Community Extension, and Boys’ Work. 15 ARTICLE VII FINANCES Section 1. The Council shall, at its annual meeting and from time to time thereafter as it may deem expedient, determine how the funds for carrying on the work of the Federation, shall be provided for and shall have authority to appeal for funds to benevolent individuals and churches on behalf of thefFederation and the Council, and shall fix the appropriations for the work, which shall not be changed nor overdrawn except by authority of the Council. Section 2. No bill contracted by any committee shall be paid by the Treasurer unless it shall first be approved in writing by the chair- man of such committee. All other bills shall, before payment, be ap- proved in writing by the chairman of the Finance Committee. ARTICLE VIII QUORUM Section 1. A quorum at any meeting of the Council shall consist of seven members, representing at least two of the denominations fed- erated, and at any meeting of a committee, a majority of its members, but if any committee shall consist of more than nine members the quorum shall be five. ARTICLE IX ELECTIONS Section 1. All elections shall be by ballot. ARTICLE X amendment Section 1. This Constitution may be amended at any meeting of the Council by a two-thirds vote of the members present, provided that due notice of any proposed amendment shall have been given in writing at a preceding meeting of the Council, or shall, upon the request of any five members of the Council, representing at least two of the de- nominations federated, have been inserted in the notice of the meeting at which the amendment is to be acted upon. The above models should be supplemented by obtaining the Constitu- tions of well-organized States and Cities; and in preparing Constitu- tions, State and local committees are invited to correspond with the 16 Secretary of the Federal Council, who will endeavor to place at their disposal the experience of other States and local communities. 4. PROVISION FOR EXTENSION OF THE WORK OF THE MEN AND RELIGION FORWARD MOVEMENT While recognizing that the Men and Religion Forward Movement was a definite campaign, to be limited in time and scope, it is to be as- sumed that calls will come from other cities and districts for the institu- tion of a somewhat similar work. So far as men may be found available, the Federal Council will respond to invitations to send out such men, singly or in groups, in the following departments of instruction, inspira- tion and service. Leaders may be found to organize the work per- manently, and the Council will co-operate in securing secretaries for social service, boys’ work and for local church federations. EVANGELISM Through the Federal Council’s Committee on Evangelism, of which Rev. William H. Roberts, D.D., is Chairman, the Council will respond to calls for accredited evangelists when such calls come from a Fed- eration of Churches, or from a Committee representing all the churches of a community, so far as they may be available. MISSION LEADERS AND TEACHERS Through its Committee on Home Missions, of which Rev. L. Call Barnes, D.D., is Chairman, and its Committee on Foreign Missions, of which Rev. James L. Barton, D.D., is Chairman, the Federal Council will endeavor, through co-operation with the denominational missionary bodies, the Missionary Education Movement, the Student Volunteer Movement, the Laymen’s Missionary Movement, and other sources, to supply teachers and leaders in the work of missions. BIBLE STUDY Through its Committee on Education, of which President George B. Stewart, D.D., is Chairman, Bible teachers will be sent out through a method of co-operation with several appropriate agencies. BOYS’ WORK Through the Young Men’s Christian Association and other organiza- tions distinctly for the work of boys, the Federal Council will assist in supplying instructors and leaders for inter-church work with boys, with special attention to the relation of the boy to the church itself. 17 COMMUNITY EXTENSION Leaders will be provided through the Young Men’s Christian Asso- ciation and other agencies for this work. IMPORTANT REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATIONS Owing to its own definite constitution and organization, the Federal Council can only promise to assist in this work when the request comes from an interdenominational body, or through interdenominational ac- tion, and those seeking such help should be reminded that the extent to which such work may be carried on will be limited by the supply of men available for the service. Moreover, the Federal Council, which is distinctly for the purpose of utilizing agencies already in existence and not of creating new ones, will serve to correlate and extend the work of the various denominational and interdenominational agencies, which are recognized by its constituent bodies. THE SOCIAL SERVICE PROGRAM In this work, the equipment of the Federal Council will be more extended, through its Commission on the Church and Social Service, of which Rev. Frank Mason North, D.D., is the Chairman. SOCIAL SERVICE TEACHERS AND LEADERS Dr. Macfarland, the Secretary of the Commission, who has partici- pated in the campaigns in sixteen cities, will continue to respond to invitations to visit cities for consultation, conference and public service, in the interest of this work. The members of the Secretarial Cabinet of the Commission, some members of the Commission, pastors and also social workers to be drawn from the various national agencies for social uplift, may be found available for this work. SOCIAL EVANGELISM AND CIVIC REVIVAL Campaigns, conferences, and surveys will be carried on in cities and towns, for which a complete program has been prepared which may be obtained on application. For this work the Evangelists are not per- mitted to receive gifts or collections. THE PLAN OF SOCIAL WORK OF THE COMMISSION The National Office of the Commission, in association with the Fed- eral Council, will be developed as a CENTER FOR INFORMA- 18 TION, INSPIRATION AND GUIDANCE, in the social work of the churches. Through INTERDENOMINATIONAL ACTION, the Com- mission will bring about CO-ORDINATION AND CO-OPERA- TION among the denominations composing the Federal Council, in- cluding, so far as may be possible, the adoption of A COMMON PROGRAM, the use of common literature and the presentation of the united appeal of the Gospel in its application to social problems and opportunities. Through this interdenominational co-operation will come THE DEVELOPMENT of this aspect of the work OF THE CHURCHES, the EDUCATION OF THE MINISTRY and the churches for it, and THE EQUIPMENT OF THE CHURCHES for carrying it forward. Representing the churches of the Federal Council, the Commission will co-operate with THE THEOLOGICAL SEMINARIES, so far as invited and permitted, in the formulation of a policy with regard to instruction and practical training in this important subject. The same co-operation will obtain with the various SCHOOLS FOR the preparation of SOCIAL WORKERS, that they, upon their side, may also come into a proper working relation with the Christian churches. THE INSTRUCTION in Social Science and Ethics IN OUR COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES, imparted to young men and women who should be leaders of the church life of the nation, will be the subject of investigation and mutual consideration, through confer- ences and inquiry. The relation of the churches to the multitude of AGENCIES FOR SOCIAL REFORM and betterment is an important problem, before the Commission. Its influence, together with that of the denominations and churches which it represents, will be brought to co-operate, so far as possible, with such societies and movements, in relation, especially, to those measures which affect THE MORAL AND SPIRITUAL WELFARE OF THE PEOPLE. This will include such matters as Child and Woman Labor, Occupational Disease, Sunday Labor, Seven Days’ Labor, the Reduction of Hours, the Betterment of Wages, Housing Conditions, and many other similar causes. 19 The relations between LOCAL charity ORGANIZATIONS, Social Settlements and similar local work will be taken up and con- sidered from the viewpoint of the churches by conference and inquiry. Our HOME MISSION work involves many social problems and includes the WORK OF SOCIAL ORGANIZATION. Indeed, the churches in Home Mission fields are often, if not generally, the initiators of the social and community institutions. This work will be studied, published, encouraged and developed. This Commission and the Home Mission Committee will work in co-operation to this end. In the FOREIGN MISSION field, this branch of Christian service has in some cases developed more fully than in our own land, especially in INDUSTRIAL, MEDICAL and EDUCATIONAL WORK, which has lifted foreign nations to a higher social level. This work will be made the subject of careful research and continued development, by a working relation between the Commission and the Committee on Foreign Missions. By the constant issuing of LITERATURE in Leaflets and Hand- books for serious study, and the use of the religious, daily and weekly press, the growing accumulation of material RELATING TO SOCIAL UPLIFT and social causes will be put into such shape as to BE USED BY THE CHURCHES for education and incitement to service. The Labor and Trade Journals will receive bulletins informing in- dustrial workers and managers of the deepening interest of the church in their common problems and duty. Lists of Speakers, Lecturers and Instructors will be prepared, and a Lantern Slide Bureau established and developed. The Bureau of Research will undertake INVESTIGATIONS AND SURVEYS in relation to the whole social problem, especially as it relates itself to the duty of the Christian Church. Bibliographies will be issued. The Commission will co-operate, in its sphere, with the Field Secretaries of the Federal Council and their associates in FEDERAT- ING THE CHURCHES and will endeavor to provide its share of a program for State and community federations. Working partly by direct access, and partly through denominational agencies and State and local federations, the work of LOCAL CHURCHES and communities will be developed, and successful 20 endeavors set before the churches in general for emulation and en- couragement. The Commission will confer with LABOR REPRESENTATIVES and will send its delegates to their gatherings. Similarly it will confer with Groups of BUSINESS MEN and send delegates to their gatherings. It will confer in joint meetings of both of these elements in modern industry and issue its challenge to both of them to unite with the church in a common service. INVESTIGATIONS will be made IN various large and important INDUSTRIES, similar to the investigation of the steel industry by a special committee of the Commission in 1910. Similar investigations in local communities will be made through pastors and other local agents. A nation-wide CAMPAIGN will be carried on, endeavoring to cover all the States of the Union, FOR ONE-DAY-IN-SEVEN FOR INDUSTRIAL WORKERS. The Commission will continue to preserve and increase the observ- ance of LABOR SUNDAY in the pulpits and by the churches of the nation. Co-operation in the work of FORWARD MOVEMENTS IN PERPETUATION OF THEIR SOCIAL RESULTS will be carried out, in association with the Field Secretaries of the Federal Coun- cil in their work of community federation for the same purpose. While all the departments of its program should relate equally, so far as applicable, not only to cities, but to suburban and rural communities, it is necessary to recognize that, in many ways, RURAL BETTER- MENT has its own peculiar problems. The Commission will help to co-ordinate those churches and religious agencies which offer leadership in this work. It will endeavor to provide a clearing-house of biblio- graphic lists for the aid of rural helpers, instruction as to social surveys by local churches, programs for community service for country and rural churches, and a bureau of public service, relating to all rural studies, methods and problems. In addition to these efforts, the Commission will stand ready to take up ANY SPECIAL TASK that may seem to fall to its lot. While at some points, its action will need to be direct and immediate, its chief purpose is to work through and for the denominational bodies and to place itself at the service of their agencies. Therefore, the Com- mission will endeavor, at every possible point, to bring about its ends 21 through interdenominational co-operation in this work which is common for all the churches. COUNTRY LIFE AND RURAL BETTERMENT In addition to the specific interest in this work on the part of the Commission on the Church and Social Service, the Federal Council is bringing about co-operation with the various denominational departments of country life and other similar agencies, through which arrangements may be made for Surveys, Conferences, Consultation, and for the gen- eral guidance and development of work in rural communities. Local interdenominational bodies or committees are invited to corre- spond with the Secretary of the Federal Council in relation to this work. THE COMMISSION ON PEACE AND ARBITRATION One of the most important movements on the part of the churches is that represented by the Federal Council Commission on Peace and Arbi- tration, which is made up of a group of the strongest leaders in the nation in this interest, Rev. J. B. Remensnyder, D.D., being Chairman and Rev. Frederick Lynch, Secretary. During the coming year, this Commission proposes to develop an extensive work and to send out speakers upon this theme of world-wide Christian interest. LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS All local federations, committees and organizations are invited to report to the office of the Federal Council their plans for interdenomina- tional work in the conservation of the Men and Religion Forward Movement, so that the Federal Council may have such material to use in answer to requests on the part of one local committee for informa- tion as to what the others are doing. THE SECOND QUADRENNIAL OF THE FEDERAL COUNCIL, CHICAGO, DECEMBER 4-10, 1912 For the Second Quadrennial, conferences are being arranged in rela- tion to all of these departments of work, and it is proposed to arrange one of these conferences to consider the work of the Men and Religion Forward Movement as a whole. The program for the Quadrennial is being arranged by the Corresponding Secretary, Rev. E. B. Sanford, D.D., to whom inquiries should be addressed, regarding this second gathering of the Protestant Evangelical churches of the nation. 22 THE RELATION BETWEEN THE MEN AND RELIGION FORWARD MOVEMENT AND THE FEDERAL COUNCIL The Federal Council has watched with deep interest the Men and Religion Forward Movement, mainly because that movement is an immediate example of what the Federal Council has been attempting to do by a continuous process. There is not only a sympathetic unity but an essential identity of the aims and efforts of the Movement with those of the Council. One of the first tasks should be that of arranging for co-operation between the various interdenominational organizations which have par- ticipated in the Movement. This campaign has greatly increased the opportunities of the Federal Council by creating objectives and developing forms of service which can only be met by federative action. The Council’s work of co-ordination has been increased in relation to the local Federations by the inspiring and inciting of an immense amount of associated work which calls for such co-ordination and co- operation. Moreover, it is to be remembered that from the very beginning we have been reminded that this was a work of the churches, for the churches, by the churches, and that at the end of the campaign it should go back into the churches. Therefore, the Federal Council feels under the deepest obligation to do its part in the conservation of the results which have been obtained and invites the fullest co-operation upon the part of those in local communities who are responsible for the permanent effect of the campaign. The extent of the conservation of results must depend on the vitality of the local movement. The possibilities of con- servation depend upon how much there is to be conserved. It is to be remembered that the extent to which the Federal Council may bring its forces to bear on local communities is necessarily limited, especially with regard to the men who may be found available for this service. Every effort will be made, however, to enlist the services of highly accredited leaders, to be sent out to advise and consult with lead- ers in local communities. The task of the moment is not so much that of considering the Move- ment itself, but of using the forces which it has set in operation, for the sake of the churches of the nation whose corporate service is rendered through and whose common expression is voiced by the Federal Council of the Churches of Christ in America. 23 MINUTES OF THE CONFERENCE OF THE JOINT COMMITTEE REPORTING TO THE MEN AND RELIGION CONSERVATION CONGRESS, APRIL 25, HELD AT THE HOTEL ASTOR, NEW YORK Upon the recommendation and request of the Joint Committee representing organiza- tions reporting to the Christian Conservation Congress of the Men and Religion Forward Movement, a Conference, arranged by C. R. Joy, was held at the Hotel Astor, Thursday, April 2 5, at 8 a. m. The meeting was called to order by Bishop E. R. Hendrix and Rev. Charles S. Macfarland was elected Secretary. The representatives were as follows: The Brotherhoods The Federal Council of the Churches of Christ in America.., The Sunday School Council of the Evangelical Denominations The International Sunday School Association The International Committee of the. Young Men’s Christian Associa., tions of North America Laymen’s Missionary Movement.... Missionary Education Movement.... Young People’s Societies Ernest E. Elliott f E. R. Hendrix 1 Charles S. Macfarland Henry H. Meyer W. C. Pearce j Fred B. Shipp I Clarence A. Barbour ! E. W. Halford 1 William B. Millar Harry Wade Hicks Howard B. Grose A resolution, passed by the Joint Committee of the Men and Religion Forward Movement, was presented by the Secretary of that Committee, Harry Wade Hicks, re- ferring to this Conference the action of that Committee requesting the Federal Council to call and arrange a conference of representatives of the organizations reporting to the Chiistian Conservation Congress of the Men and Religion Forward Movement, and stating that the matters referred to said Joint Committee had been, in turn, referred to this Conference. It was VOTED, that the various organizations should arrange for the interchange of lit- erature for the purpose of acquainting each with the plans and work of the others, and the Secretary was authorized to notify each organization of this action. After full discussion, it was VOTED, that this Conference approves I. The plan of holding, during the summer of 1912, a Conference of the Executive Secretaries, Superintendents and other representatives of the following organiza- tions : Laymen’s Missionary Movements Missionary Education Movement Sunday School Council of the Evangelical Denominations The International Committee of the Young Men’s Christian Associations of North America The International Sunday School Association The Denominational Brotherhoods The Gideons The Young People’s Societies 2. That to this Conference be referred the matter of holding a later and much larger representative Conference, regarding the interests involved. 3. That this Conference requests the Federal Council of the Churches of Christ in America to act as the clearing-house in calling the proposed Conference. It was VOTED, that the Secretary should endeavor to arrange the Conference for June 19 and 20, 1912, at Silver Bay. It was VOTED, that the Office of the Men and Religion Forward Movement be requested to place at the disposal of the Secretary such information and material as would assist in the consummation of these plans. It was VOTED, that a Committee on Arrangements and Program consist of Charles S. Macfarland, Clarence A. Barbour and Harry Wade Hicks. VOTED, to adjourn. After prayer by Bishop Hendrix, the Conference adjourned sine die. (Signed) CHARLES S. MACFARLAND, Secretary. 24 * LITERATURE ISSUED BY THE FEDERAL COUNCIL OF THE CHURCHES OF CHRIST IN AMERICA ( Free on application, except where otherwise specified) Church Federation, Report of the Carnegie Hall, New York, Meet- ing, 1905. 691 pp. E. B. Sanford, D.D., editor. $1.25, postpaid. Federal Council of the Churches. Report of Philadelphia Meeting, 1908. 578 pp. E. B. Sanford, D.D., editor. $1.25, postpaid. First Annual Report of the Federal Council, 1909. Second Annual Report of the Federal Council, 1910. Third Annual Report of the Federal Council, 1911. Co-operative Advance in Home Missions. An Appeal to the Churches of the United States in Behalf of the Family. Western Neglected Fields, and the Home Missions Council. Christian Unity in Fact and Practice, * H Social Service Literature The Church and Modern Industry. > The Church’s Appeal in Behalf of Labor. Report of Investigation in the Steel Industry. Suggestions for Labor Sunday. A Plan of Interdenominational Social Work, A Program for Labor Sunday. v !} Report on Industrial Situation at Muscatine, Iowa. Social Service Recommendations in a local Men and Religion Forward Movement Campaign. The Social Evangelism and the Civic Revival. The Christian Ministry and the Social Order, Edited by Dr. Macfar- land. Price $1.25. Published by the Yale University Press. Spiritual Culture and Social Service. By Dr, Macfarland. Price, $1.00. Published by Revell. The Peace Problem. By Mr. Lynch. Price $.75. Published by Revell. A Social Survey for Rural Communities has been published by G. Frederick Wells, Assistant to the Executive Secretary. Mr. Wells has also provided community programs for country churches, bibliographies and other similar material relating to one of the most important problems which face the Federal Council, namely, that of the Country Church, 5th edition, 6-n, 191a.