Religion: Trends May 5, 1923

Unity? Bishop Darlington of Harrisburg, as head of a Protestant Episcopal committee to seek closer alliance with Greek Catholic (EasternOrthodox) Churches, has brought back a letter from the Patriarch of Jerusalem recognizing the validity of Anglican orders, and placing them on an equal basis with those of any Church. (The Patriarch of Constantinopletook similar action some months ago.) This is the first official recognition of a Protestant church by either the Greek or Roman Catholics since the Reformation (1519-1555). The Anglicans in Canada, by concordat, now recognize the interchangeable validity of other Protestant denominations. The Romans recognize the Greek Catholics, the Greek Catholics recognize the Anglicans, the Anglicans, in spots, recognize the independents. If recognition comes, can unity be far behind ?

The Waning Crescent. The only Mohammedan mosque on this hemisphere has closed its doors. Followers of the prophet have had a ” church fight.” The mosque, which is in Detroit and was subsidized by a wealthy Mohammedan there, will be sold for real estate.

Pro-League. Last week were noted the unorganized sympathies of the church in regard to the League and the World Court. The Brick Church, Fifth Ave., New York, is having a pro-League course led by such men as John H. Clarke (page 2), Irving Fisher and Hamilton Holt. Classes at 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Registration $3.00. Nation-wide distributionof a nonsectarian, poetic prayer for the ” Divine Alliance of Nations ” is also being pushed. The prayer is written by Dr. Harry E. Fosdick.

Almost 100%. According to the Canadian Bureau of Statistics, Canada is 98% Christian. About 125,000 are Jews. Some 90,000 profess no religious connections.

Monte Mario is said to be the site of a proposed Protestant Church in Rome, which, from its superior elevation, might cast a shadow on St. Peter’s. “A fantastic story, revived by the Paris Tribune,” said Rev. Dr. Antipple, President of the nonsectarian Protestant school on Monte Mario. ” Our plans do not include the building of a monumental church. They have been approved by the city authorities. We understand the beauty of St. Peter’s as much as does anyone else,” said Dr. Antipple.