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FROM THE BISHOP

Something deep in me responds to the sweet and tempered ways

of the Episcopal Church.

Its atmosphere of reverence, its ordered and stately worship,

its tradition of historic continuity,

linking today with ages agone; its symbols which enshrine

the faith of the past and the hope of the future;

its wise and wide tolerance;

its old and lovely liturgy – like a stairway, worn by many feet,

whereon men climb to God –

and, still more, the organized mysticism of its sacraments –

all these things of beauty and grace move me profoundly.

More vital still, if possible, is the central and strategic position

which the Episcopal Church holds in the confused religious situation of our time.

It is the roomiest Church in Christendom,

in that it accepts the basic facts of Christian faith

as symbols of transparent truths, which each may interpret

as his insight explores their depth and wonder.

Midway between an arid liberalism and an acrid orthodoxy,

it keeps its wise course, conserving the eternal values of faith

while seeking to read the Word of God revealed in the tumult of the time.

If its spirit and attitude were better understood,

it would be at once the haven and the home

of many vexed minds torn between loyalty to the old faith and the new truth.

After all, there is one Church of Christ. It may wear many names, but its faith is one,

and finally, soon or late, it will be one fellowship, drawn together by creative desire,

or driven together by sheer necessity of facing the forces of destruction in our day,

which, if they have their way, will end in materialism and futility.

Each man should labor where he can do his best work

in behalf of our common Christian enterprise;

and I look forward to happy and fruitful service in a great and gracious fellowship."

From River of Years by Dr. Joseph Fort Newton, c. 1946

(These words were written as Dr. Newton was leaving a Baptist pulpit

in order to become an Episcopal priest.)