Protestant Episcopal Church Considers Changing Its Name
Concerning the General Convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church, now in session at Minneapolis, a press despatch says:— “Interest has recently been revived in the purposed change in name. Ten years ago a vote was taken on changing to the name of ‘American Catholic Church,’ and it was but barely defeated. The New York Diocese has led in a demand for a change. Bishops and laymen interviewed say in part:— “The Rev. Percival McIntyre: ‘I am in favor of a better name. The Holy Catholic Church would describe us better and would be a truer name.’ “Bishop Starkey, New Jersey: ‘Protestant suggests nothing but negation. The church is a branch of the Church Catholic, and we call it Holy Catholic Church at every service. There are many, however, who would object to the change, and I do not think it will be discussed.’ “Bishop Brewer, Montana: ‘I would be much opposed to changing the name of the Protestant Episcopal Church to that of the Holy Catholic Church should such a change be proposed.’ “Bishop Worthington, Nebraska: ‘The present name of the church conveys to those who rightly understand it a meaning of protest against all error, wherever found, declaring the character and policy of the church.’ “Bishop Perry, Iowa: ‘My favorite name for the church is the familiar title, “The American.”’ “Arch-Deacon Githens, New Mexico: ‘I would never consent to have the name changed to Catholic, though I would vote for a proposition to drop the word “Protestant.”’”