{ "book_metadata": { "book_name": "History of Christianity in India: Source Materials", "book_author": "M. K. Kuriakose", "publisher": "Indian Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge", "published_on": "2011" }, "chunks": [ { "chunk_index": 1, "chapter_name": "1902. The Fourth Decennial Missionary Conference, Madras", "page_numbers": [ 281 ], "image_paths": [ "raw\\pages\\00305-2ebb0d596b2e393065fd.webp" ], "chunk_title": "Fourth Decennial Conference", "chunk_data": "142. THE FOURTH DECENNIAL MISSIONARY CONFERENCE, MADRAS (1902 A.D.)", "time": { "start_year": 1902, "start_month": null, "start_date": null, "end_year": 1902, "end_month": null, "end_date": null, "time_display": "1902 AD" }, "meta": { "people": [], "places": [ "Madras", "India" ], "event": "The fourth All Indian Decennial Missionary Conference was held at Madras.", "tags": [ "Religion", "Missionary Conferences" ] } }, { "chunk_index": 2, "chapter_name": "1902. The Fourth Decennial Missionary Conference, Madras", "page_numbers": [ 281 ], "image_paths": [ "raw\\pages\\00305-2ebb0d596b2e393065fd.webp" ], "chunk_title": "Conference Historical Significance", "chunk_data": "The fourth All Indian Decennial Missionary Conference held at Madras in 1902 was the last of the important 'field' conferences in India.", "time": { "start_year": 1902, "start_month": null, "start_date": null, "end_year": 1902, "end_month": null, "end_date": null, "time_display": "1902 AD" }, "meta": { "people": [], "places": [ "Madras", "India" ], "event": "The fourth conference became the last major field missionary conference in India.", "tags": [ "Religion", "Missionary Conferences", "History" ] } }, { "chunk_index": 3, "chapter_name": "1902. The Fourth Decennial Missionary Conference, Madras", "page_numbers": [ 281 ], "image_paths": [ "raw\\pages\\00305-2ebb0d596b2e393065fd.webp" ], "chunk_title": "Missionary Thinking Culminates", "chunk_data": "The subjects discussed and resolutions passed, some of which are reproduced here, represent the culmination of missionary thinking during the second half of the 19th century.", "time": { "start_year": 1902, "start_month": null, "start_date": null, "end_year": 1902, "end_month": null, "end_date": null, "time_display": "1902 AD" }, "meta": { "people": [], "places": [ "India" ], "event": "The conference's subjects and resolutions represented the culmination of nineteenth-century missionary thought.", "tags": [ "Religion", "Missionary Conferences" ] } }, { "chunk_index": 4, "chapter_name": "1902. The Fourth Decennial Missionary Conference, Madras", "page_numbers": [ 281 ], "image_paths": [ "raw\\pages\\00305-2ebb0d596b2e393065fd.webp" ], "chunk_title": "India Enters a New Era", "chunk_data": "The World Missionary Conference at Edinburgh in 1910, the formation of the National Missionary Council (later, National Christian Council), the First World War, and the intensification of the Indian Nationalist movement ushered in a new era.", "time": { "start_year": 1910, "start_month": null, "start_date": null, "end_year": 1918, "end_month": null, "end_date": null, "time_display": "1910–1918" }, "meta": { "people": [], "places": [ "Edinburgh", "India" ], "event": "Later developments, including the Edinburgh conference, the National Missionary Council, the First World War, and Indian nationalism, ushered in a new era.", "tags": [ "Religion", "Politics", "History" ] } }, { "chunk_index": 5, "chapter_name": "1902. The Fourth Decennial Missionary Conference, Madras", "page_numbers": [ 281 ], "image_paths": [ "raw\\pages\\00305-2ebb0d596b2e393065fd.webp" ], "chunk_title": "Resolutions on Church Development", "chunk_data": "Report of the Fourth Decennial Indian Missionary Conference held at Madras, 1902, pp. 28-36, 47-48, 159-165.\n\nI. Resolutions on Self-support, Self-government, and Self-extension\n\nA. Self-Support", "time": { "start_year": 1902, "start_month": null, "start_date": null, "end_year": 1902, "end_month": null, "end_date": null, "time_display": "1902 AD" }, "meta": { "people": [], "places": [ "Madras" ], "event": "The chapter introduces the conference report and its resolutions on self-support, self-government, and self-extension.", "tags": [ "Religion", "Church Organization" ] } }, { "chunk_index": 6, "chapter_name": "1902. The Fourth Decennial Missionary Conference, Madras", "page_numbers": [ 281 ], "image_paths": [ "raw\\pages\\00305-2ebb0d596b2e393065fd.webp" ], "chunk_title": "Self-Support Recognized", "chunk_data": "Whereas the Self-support of a Church is next in importance only to its growth in spiritual life; whereas this important subject has now been prominently before the Missions and the Churches connected with them for several years past, and its imperative necessity recognised alike by the Missions and the Churches; and whereas strenuous efforts are being made by many Churches toward the attainment of this end, these efforts having been in", "time": { "start_year": 1902, "start_month": null, "start_date": null, "end_year": 1902, "end_month": null, "end_date": null, "time_display": "1902 AD" }, "meta": { "people": [], "places": [ "India" ], "event": "The conference affirmed the importance and necessity of church self-support.", "tags": [ "Religion", "Church Organization" ] } }, { "chunk_index": 7, "chapter_name": "1902. The Fourth Decennial Missionary Conference, Madras", "page_numbers": [ 282 ], "image_paths": [ "raw\\pages\\00306-e87fd8fcd046af322023.webp" ], "chunk_title": "Resolution IX on Self-Support", "chunk_data": "Resolution IX\n\nThis Conference acknowledges with deepest thankfulness to God the progress that has been already made, and urges on the Missions and the office-bearers of the Churches to continue to instruct and enlighten the Churches on the duty and privilege of Self-support, and to apply with earnestness and perseverance the plans that have thus far proved successful. The Conference considers that in the organisation of new Churches provision for the attainment of Self-support in the near future should be made whenever practicable.", "time": { "start_year": 1902, "start_month": null, "start_date": null, "end_year": 1902, "end_month": null, "end_date": null, "time_display": "1902 AD" }, "meta": { "people": [], "places": [ "India" ], "event": "The conference urged missions and church officers to continue teaching self-support and to plan for it when establishing new churches.", "tags": [ "Religion", "Church Organization" ] } }, { "chunk_index": 8, "chapter_name": "1902. The Fourth Decennial Missionary Conference, Madras", "page_numbers": [ 282 ], "image_paths": [ "raw\\pages\\00306-e87fd8fcd046af322023.webp" ], "chunk_title": "Resolution X on Mission Grants", "chunk_data": "Resolution X\n\nThe Conference, believing as it does that the Churches will never rise to their responsibilities in the matter of Self-support until its absolute necessity is brought home to them by the withdrawal of foreign aid, earnestly recommends the regular reduction of grants of Mission money made to Churches of any standing, due consideration being given to cases of extraordinary development, thereby not only setting free funds for new work, but also training the people in the privilege of giving, and giving increasingly, of their substance to the work of the Church. This would result, the Conference feels, in the development of those Christian qualities which efforts in that direction naturally evoke.", "time": { "start_year": 1902, "start_month": null, "start_date": null, "end_year": 1902, "end_month": null, "end_date": null, "time_display": "1902 AD" }, "meta": { "people": [], "places": [ "India" ], "event": "The conference recommended gradually reducing foreign mission grants to encourage church self-support and free funds for new work.", "tags": [ "Religion", "Finance", "Church Organization" ] } }, { "chunk_index": 9, "chapter_name": "1902. The Fourth Decennial Missionary Conference, Madras", "page_numbers": [ 282 ], "image_paths": [ "raw\\pages\\00306-e87fd8fcd046af322023.webp" ], "chunk_title": "Resolution XII on Giving", "chunk_data": "Resolution XII\n\nThe Conference is of the opinion that, in order to secure the hearty and liberal gifts of the people, not only must the Christian duty, privilege and blessing of giving be continually laid before them, but such methods of giving as accord with the genius of the people should be resorted to. In this connection, offerings on special festive occasions, offerings for special mercies received or dangers averted (e.g., in times of sickness, etc.), first fruits, collections of grain and the like, should be encouraged, in addition to periodical contributions, collections, etc.", "time": { "start_year": 1902, "start_month": null, "start_date": null, "end_year": 1902, "end_month": null, "end_date": null, "time_display": "1902 AD" }, "meta": { "people": [], "places": [ "India" ], "event": "The conference encouraged culturally appropriate forms of Christian giving.", "tags": [ "Religion", "Finance" ] } }, { "chunk_index": 10, "chapter_name": "1902. The Fourth Decennial Missionary Conference, Madras", "page_numbers": [ 282 ], "image_paths": [ "raw\\pages\\00306-e87fd8fcd046af322023.webp" ], "chunk_title": "Harvest Festivals Encourage Giving", "chunk_data": "Harvest Festivals, coinciding as they do with the customs of the country, have also proved themselves an important factor in inciting the people to spontaneous and cheerful giving, and are heartily recommended by the Conference.", "time": { "start_year": 1902, "start_month": null, "start_date": null, "end_year": 1902, "end_month": null, "end_date": null, "time_display": "1902 AD" }, "meta": { "people": [], "places": [ "India" ], "event": "The conference recommended harvest festivals as a means of encouraging voluntary Christian giving.", "tags": [ "Religion", "Finance", "Culture" ] } }, { "chunk_index": 11, "chapter_name": "1902. The Fourth Decennial Missionary Conference, Madras", "page_numbers": [ 282, 283 ], "image_paths": [ "raw\\pages\\00306-e87fd8fcd046af322023.webp", "raw\\pages\\00307-e264896fa56f447062d6.webp" ], "chunk_title": "Resolution XIII for Pastors", "chunk_data": "Resolution XIII\n\nThe Conference recommends the establishment of a fund for the support of the Pastor in connection with every Church or group of Churches however small, to which all the members, rich and poor, old and young, should be invited and urged to contribute periodically according as the Lord has prospered them. This will keep them in remembrance of their duty to contribute to those who minister to them in spiritual things, and also help to make up the salary of or provision for the Pastor.", "time": { "start_year": 1902, "start_month": null, "start_date": null, "end_year": 1902, "end_month": null, "end_date": null, "time_display": "1902 AD" }, "meta": { "people": [ "Pastors" ], "places": [ "India" ], "event": "The conference recommended creating a fund to support pastors through regular contributions from church members.", "tags": [ "Religion", "Finance", "Church Organization" ] } }, { "chunk_index": 12, "chapter_name": "1902. The Fourth Decennial Missionary Conference, Madras", "page_numbers": [ 283 ], "image_paths": [ "raw\\pages\\00307-e264896fa56f447062d6.webp" ], "chunk_title": "Resolution XIV on Self-Government", "chunk_data": "Self-Government\n\nResolution XIV\n\nThis Conference would emphasize the principle now generally accepted, that a reasonable and increasing share of the government of the Churches should be entrusted to the members of those Churches, with the view both of training them in the art of self-government, and of enabling them to take an increasing and more intelligent interest in the affairs of their own Church. This will have a reflex influence on the advance of Self-support, as it is vain to expect the people to give liberally unless they have a due share in the government of their Church.", "time": { "start_year": 1902, "start_month": null, "start_date": null, "end_year": 1902, "end_month": null, "end_date": null, "time_display": "1902 AD" }, "meta": { "people": [], "places": [ "India" ], "event": "The conference urged that church members receive an increasing share in church government to develop self-government and self-support.", "tags": [ "Religion", "Church Organization" ] } }, { "chunk_index": 13, "chapter_name": "1902. The Fourth Decennial Missionary Conference, Madras", "page_numbers": [ 283 ], "image_paths": [ "raw\\pages\\00307-e264896fa56f447062d6.webp" ], "chunk_title": "Resolution XV on Pastoral Identity", "chunk_data": "Resolution XV\n\nThis Conference, realising the tendency in the various circumstances which sometimes combine to dissociate the Pastor from those amongst whom he is to labour, and the danger of the true idea of Pastoral work being lost sight of and that of 'superintendence' being introduced in its place, would urge that practical steps be taken to foster increasingly in the mind of the Pastor the idea that he is an integral part of the Native Church to which he ministers, rather than connected with, and dependent upon, a foreign Missionary Society. To this end the Conference would reiterate the recommendation of the South India Missionary Conference of 1900, Resolution II on 'The Native Church', that all Pastors should be paid through some office-bearer of the Church other than the representative of the Missionary Society.", "time": { "start_year": 1902, "start_month": null, "start_date": null, "end_year": 1902, "end_month": null, "end_date": null, "time_display": "1902 AD" }, "meta": { "people": [ "Pastors" ], "places": [ "South India" ], "event": "The conference urged pastors to regard themselves as integral members of the Native Church and recommended that churches pay them directly.", "tags": [ "Religion", "Church Organization", "Leadership" ] } }, { "chunk_index": 14, "chapter_name": "1902. The Fourth Decennial Missionary Conference, Madras", "page_numbers": [ 283, 284 ], "image_paths": [ "raw\\pages\\00307-e264896fa56f447062d6.webp", "raw\\pages\\00308-5a19e2268707436d6c8f.webp" ], "chunk_title": "Resolution XVI on Training Leaders", "chunk_data": "Resolution XVI\n\nThis Conference would urge the paramount importance of definitely training Pastors and Governing Bodies in the art of Church administration, the main duty of the administrative Missionary being not to govern, but to train others to govern. The Conference strongly feels that the tendency which would lead the European to undertake administration himself rather than to be at pains to train the Churches to undertake it, a course often demanding more labour and self-effacement, should be at all costs resisted; and that no possibility of failure should deter Missionaries or Missionary Bodies from giving the Churches the fullest scope possible in this direction.", "time": { "start_year": 1902, "start_month": null, "start_date": null, "end_year": 1902, "end_month": null, "end_date": null, "time_display": "1902 AD" }, "meta": { "people": [ "Pastors", "Missionaries" ], "places": [ "India" ], "event": "The conference urged missionaries to train pastors and governing bodies rather than directly administer churches.", "tags": [ "Religion", "Church Organization", "Leadership" ] } }, { "chunk_index": 15, "chapter_name": "1902. The Fourth Decennial Missionary Conference, Madras", "page_numbers": [ 284 ], "image_paths": [ "raw\\pages\\00308-5a19e2268707436d6c8f.webp" ], "chunk_title": "Resolution XVI on Administration", "chunk_data": "With this end in view the Conference would propose that plans be adopted in Church governing bodies whereby men of special ability may be placed in positions of responsibility in which they may have due opportunity for the exercise of their administrative powers, including the collection and disbursement of funds, subject at the same time to a supervision which, while not interfering with their due liberty of action, would secure the right discharge of their duties. The Conference is of the opinion that where failures have occurred in the past they have been largely due to the fact that men have been suddenly placed in practically independent positions without due training.", "time": { "start_year": 1902, "start_month": null, "start_date": null, "end_year": 1902, "end_month": null, "end_date": null, "time_display": "1902 AD" }, "meta": { "people": [], "places": [ "India" ], "event": "The conference proposed placing capable men in responsible administrative positions with supervision and proper training.", "tags": [ "Religion", "Church Organization", "Leadership" ] } }, { "chunk_index": 16, "chapter_name": "1902. The Fourth Decennial Missionary Conference, Madras", "page_numbers": [ 284 ], "image_paths": [ "raw\\pages\\00308-5a19e2268707436d6c8f.webp" ], "chunk_title": "Resolution XVII on Panchayats", "chunk_data": "Resolution XVII\n\nThis Conference considers, that, where ecclesiastical principles allow, the initiation and enforcement of discipline in the Indian Churches would be more effective if use were made of the indigenous system of panchayats, consisting of Christian leaders, recognised as possessing some authority. This would inculcate a healthy esprit de corps and a sense of responsibility in regard to Christian living both among the leaders and the members of the community.", "time": { "start_year": 1902, "start_month": null, "start_date": null, "end_year": 1902, "end_month": null, "end_date": null, "time_display": "1902 AD" }, "meta": { "people": [ "Christian leaders" ], "places": [ "India" ], "event": "The conference recommended using indigenous panchayats for church discipline where ecclesiastical principles permitted.", "tags": [ "Religion", "Church Organization", "India" ] } }, { "chunk_index": 17, "chapter_name": "1902. The Fourth Decennial Missionary Conference, Madras", "page_numbers": [ 284 ], "image_paths": [ "raw\\pages\\00308-5a19e2268707436d6c8f.webp" ], "chunk_title": "Resolution XVIII on Evangelism", "chunk_data": "C. Self-Extension\n\nResolution XVIII\n\nThe Conference deems it of the utmost importance that the Churches should be constantly reminded that they are themselves a great Missionary organisation, and that upon them lies the sacred duty of making known the Gospel to those who know it not...", "time": { "start_year": 1902, "start_month": null, "start_date": null, "end_year": 1902, "end_month": null, "end_date": null, "time_display": "1902 AD" }, "meta": { "people": [], "places": [ "India" ], "event": "The conference reminded churches that they themselves were missionary organizations responsible for spreading the Gospel.", "tags": [ "Religion", "Evangelism" ] } }, { "chunk_index": 18, "chapter_name": "1902. The Fourth Decennial Missionary Conference, Madras", "page_numbers": [ 284 ], "image_paths": [ "raw\\pages\\00308-5a19e2268707436d6c8f.webp" ], "chunk_title": "Native Churches Expand Mission", "chunk_data": "In India and Ceylon, where there are almost illimitable opportunities of extension, the burden of winning people to Christ must fall more and more upon the Native Churches; and while foreign help and guidance can do much, it is manifest that the whole ground can be adequately occupied with workers only as those Churches freely respond to the call Christ makes upon them...", "time": { "start_year": 1902, "start_month": null, "start_date": null, "end_year": 1902, "end_month": null, "end_date": null, "time_display": "1902 AD" }, "meta": { "people": [ "Christians" ], "places": [ "India", "Ceylon" ], "event": "The conference declared that Native Churches must increasingly assume responsibility for evangelizing India and Ceylon.", "tags": [ "Religion", "Evangelism", "India" ] } }, { "chunk_index": 19, "chapter_name": "1902. The Fourth Decennial Missionary Conference, Madras", "page_numbers": [ 284 ], "image_paths": [ "raw\\pages\\00308-5a19e2268707436d6c8f.webp" ], "chunk_title": "Resolution XXI on Missionary Bands", "chunk_data": "Resolution XXI\n\nThe Conference recommends that in connection with each Church, where possible, there should be a Missionary Band, which by its own voluntary efforts should attempt the evangelisation of such non-Christians as may be within its own immediate neighbourhood. Moreover, since, in some places, there are large Churches which might easily do the work which is being done by foreign Missionary Societies in the same area, the Conference suggests", "time": { "start_year": 1902, "start_month": null, "start_date": null, "end_year": 1902, "end_month": null, "end_date": null, "time_display": "1902 AD" }, "meta": { "people": [], "places": [ "India" ], "event": "The conference recommended voluntary missionary bands within churches to evangelize nearby non-Christians.", "tags": [ "Religion", "Evangelism" ] } }, { "chunk_index": 20, "chapter_name": "1902. The Fourth Decennial Missionary Conference, Madras", "page_numbers": [ 285 ], "image_paths": [ "raw\\pages\\00309-7021586c3b8ea23862c7.webp" ], "chunk_title": "Churches Assume Mission Work", "chunk_data": "that in such cases the agents of the foreign Missionary Society might be withdrawn and the responsibility for the work thrown on the Churches.", "time": { "start_year": 1902, "start_month": null, "start_date": null, "end_year": 1902, "end_month": null, "end_date": null, "time_display": "1902 AD" }, "meta": { "people": [], "places": [ "India" ], "event": "The conference suggested that churches assume mission work in areas where they could replace foreign missionary agents.", "tags": [ "Religion", "Evangelism", "Church Organization" ] } }, { "chunk_index": 21, "chapter_name": "1902. The Fourth Decennial Missionary Conference, Madras", "page_numbers": [ 285 ], "image_paths": [ "raw\\pages\\00309-7021586c3b8ea23862c7.webp" ], "chunk_title": "Resolution XXII on Lay Evangelism", "chunk_data": "Resolution XXII\n\nThe Conference further would recommend the encouragement of the spirit which, they notice with thankfulness, has led some holding good positions to devote part of their leisure time specially in recesses or vacations, to banding themselves together, in a systematized effort to preach the Gospel to non-Christians at their own charges, believing that such efforts go far to dispel the idea current in the minds of many that the Gospel is only preached by those who are paid to do so.", "time": { "start_year": 1902, "start_month": null, "start_date": null, "end_year": 1902, "end_month": null, "end_date": null, "time_display": "1902 AD" }, "meta": { "people": [ "Christian lay workers" ], "places": [ "India" ], "event": "The conference encouraged employed Christians to use their leisure time and personal resources to preach the Gospel.", "tags": [ "Religion", "Evangelism" ] } }, { "chunk_index": 22, "chapter_name": "1902. The Fourth Decennial Missionary Conference, Madras", "page_numbers": [ 285 ], "image_paths": [ "raw\\pages\\00309-7021586c3b8ea23862c7.webp" ], "chunk_title": "Resolution XXIII on Schools", "chunk_data": "Resolution XXIII\n\nThe Conference would also emphasize the importance of maintaining village Primary schools in connection with the Churches, as they serve the double purpose of giving instruction to Christian children and of propagating the Gospel amongst non-Christians.", "time": { "start_year": 1902, "start_month": null, "start_date": null, "end_year": 1902, "end_month": null, "end_date": null, "time_display": "1902 AD" }, "meta": { "people": [ "Christian children" ], "places": [ "India" ], "event": "The conference emphasized maintaining village primary schools linked to churches for education and evangelism.", "tags": [ "Religion", "Education", "Evangelism" ] } }, { "chunk_index": 23, "chapter_name": "1902. The Fourth Decennial Missionary Conference, Madras", "page_numbers": [ 285 ], "image_paths": [ "raw\\pages\\00309-7021586c3b8ea23862c7.webp" ], "chunk_title": "Resolution XXIV on Home Missions", "chunk_data": "Resolution XXIV\n\nThe Conference would recommend that Churches of each Denomination should unite in the formation of a Home Missionary Society, which shall be supported and controlled by the Churches themselves and shall work in certain specified areas.", "time": { "start_year": 1902, "start_month": null, "start_date": null, "end_year": 1902, "end_month": null, "end_date": null, "time_display": "1902 AD" }, "meta": { "people": [], "places": [ "India" ], "event": "The conference recommended denomination-wide home missionary societies controlled and supported by churches.", "tags": [ "Religion", "Evangelism", "Church Organization" ] } }, { "chunk_index": 24, "chapter_name": "1902. The Fourth Decennial Missionary Conference, Madras", "page_numbers": [ 285 ], "image_paths": [ "raw\\pages\\00309-7021586c3b8ea23862c7.webp" ], "chunk_title": "Resolution XXV on Missionary Work", "chunk_data": "Resolution XXV\n\nThe Conference further considers that the fact of a Church being not entirely self-supporting should not debar it from undertaking Missionary work even outside its own District or language area, and that care should always be taken by the Missionary Societies to see that the idea of Evangelistic work is not dissociated from that of Pastoral.", "time": { "start_year": 1902, "start_month": null, "start_date": null, "end_year": 1902, "end_month": null, "end_date": null, "time_display": "1902 AD" }, "meta": { "people": [], "places": [ "India" ], "event": "The conference stated that churches need not be fully self-supporting before undertaking missionary work beyond their own districts or language areas.", "tags": [ "Religion", "Evangelism", "Church Organization" ] } }, { "chunk_index": 25, "chapter_name": "1902. The Fourth Decennial Missionary Conference, Madras", "page_numbers": [ 285 ], "image_paths": [ "raw\\pages\\00309-7021586c3b8ea23862c7.webp" ], "chunk_title": "Resolution XXVI on Ministerial Training", "chunk_data": "II. Resolutions on the Training of Ministers\n\nResolution XXVI\n\nThis Conference, regarding Ministerial Training Institutions, which seek to raise up and qualify spiritual workers familiar with the Bible, as of fundamental importance, earnestly recommends Mission Boards and Churches to keep these Institutions in the highest possible state of efficiency, and wherever deemed advisable to provide facilities for their endowment.", "time": { "start_year": 1902, "start_month": null, "start_date": null, "end_year": 1902, "end_month": null, "end_date": null, "time_display": "1902 AD" }, "meta": { "people": [ "Ministers" ], "places": [ "India" ], "event": "The conference urged mission boards and churches to maintain efficient ministerial training institutions and provide endowments where appropriate.", "tags": [ "Religion", "Education", "Leadership" ] } }, { "chunk_index": 26, "chapter_name": "1902. The Fourth Decennial Missionary Conference, Madras", "page_numbers": [ 286 ], "image_paths": [ "raw\\pages\\00310-e9fbb2a49904515b94fa.webp" ], "chunk_title": "Resolution XXVII on Cooperation", "chunk_data": "Resolution XXVII\n\nThe Conference, approving of the suggestion of the South India Missionary Conference of January 1900, and of the Allahabad Representative Meeting of February of the present year, recommends that as far as possible there should be co-operation of Missions in these Training Institutions, in the interest of economy, of labour and of funds, and for the promotion of union in the Indian and Ceylon Churches.", "time": { "start_year": 1902, "start_month": 2, "start_date": null, "end_year": 1902, "end_month": 2, "end_date": null, "time_display": "February 1902" }, "meta": { "people": [], "places": [ "South India", "Allahabad", "India", "Ceylon" ], "event": "The conference recommended cooperation among missions in ministerial training institutions for economy and church unity.", "tags": [ "Religion", "Education", "Ecumenism" ] } }, { "chunk_index": 27, "chapter_name": "1902. The Fourth Decennial Missionary Conference, Madras", "page_numbers": [ 286 ], "image_paths": [ "raw\\pages\\00310-e9fbb2a49904515b94fa.webp" ], "chunk_title": "Resolution XXVIII on Theology", "chunk_data": "Resolution XXVIII\n\nThe Conference recommends the careful consideration of the question of establishing an Interdenominational Theological Senate, or Board of Examiners, for the promotion of Theological learning in India.", "time": { "start_year": 1902, "start_month": null, "start_date": null, "end_year": 1902, "end_month": null, "end_date": null, "time_display": "1902 AD" }, "meta": { "people": [], "places": [ "India" ], "event": "The conference recommended considering an interdenominational theological senate or board of examiners for India.", "tags": [ "Religion", "Education", "Ecumenism" ] } }, { "chunk_index": 28, "chapter_name": "1902. The Fourth Decennial Missionary Conference, Madras", "page_numbers": [ 286 ], "image_paths": [ "raw\\pages\\00310-e9fbb2a49904515b94fa.webp" ], "chunk_title": "Theological Senate Committee", "chunk_data": "With a view to give practical effect to any feasible solution of this question, this Conference appoints the following gentlemen as a representative Committee with power to add to their number, and empowers them to confer with the Council of the Serampore College through the Committee of the London Baptist Missionary Society to ascertain whether they are prepared to delegate the degree-conferring powers of the Charter of that College to a Senate or Faculty representative of the various Protestant Christian bodies working in India. This Conference also empowers the Committee to confer with the various Missionary Conferences for the promotion of co-operation in theological training generally.", "time": { "start_year": 1902, "start_month": null, "start_date": null, "end_year": 1902, "end_month": null, "end_date": null, "time_display": "1902 AD" }, "meta": { "people": [], "places": [ "Serampore", "India" ], "event": "The conference appointed a committee to explore delegating Serampore College's degree-conferring powers to a representative Protestant theological body.", "tags": [ "Religion", "Education", "Ecumenism" ] } }, { "chunk_index": 29, "chapter_name": "1902. The Fourth Decennial Missionary Conference, Madras", "page_numbers": [ 286 ], "image_paths": [ "raw\\pages\\00310-e9fbb2a49904515b94fa.webp" ], "chunk_title": "Resolution IV on Territorial Divisions", "chunk_data": "III. Resolutions on Missionary Comity\n\nResolution IV\n\nThis Conference, while recognising the right of all Christians to the ministrations of their own communion, and to Christian liberty of thought and action, desires to affirm its opinion that, under present circumstances, the principle of territorial divisions should be maintained...", "time": { "start_year": 1902, "start_month": null, "start_date": null, "end_year": 1902, "end_month": null, "end_date": null, "time_display": "1902 AD" }, "meta": { "people": [ "Christians" ], "places": [ "India" ], "event": "The conference affirmed territorial divisions among missions while recognizing Christian liberty and denominational ministrations.", "tags": [ "Religion", "Ecumenism", "Church Organization" ] } }, { "chunk_index": 30, "chapter_name": "1902. The Fourth Decennial Missionary Conference, Madras", "page_numbers": [ 286, 287 ], "image_paths": [ "raw\\pages\\00310-e9fbb2a49904515b94fa.webp", "raw\\pages\\00311-ad9e58605fc4de2ea98f.webp" ], "chunk_title": "Resolution V on Missionary Associations", "chunk_data": "Resolution V\n\n1. This Conference advocates the formation of provincial or territorial Missionary Associations (in addition to local Missionary Conferences) representing large areas and many Missions. In the case of the South India Missionary Association, this has materially helped to bring the Missionaries of South India into closer touch with each other.", "time": { "start_year": 1902, "start_month": null, "start_date": null, "end_year": 1902, "end_month": null, "end_date": null, "time_display": "1902 AD" }, "meta": { "people": [ "Missionaries" ], "places": [ "South India" ], "event": "The conference advocated provincial or territorial missionary associations and cited the South India Missionary Association as a successful example.", "tags": [ "Religion", "Ecumenism", "Church Organization" ] } }, { "chunk_index": 31, "chapter_name": "1902. The Fourth Decennial Missionary Conference, Madras", "page_numbers": [ 287 ], "image_paths": [ "raw\\pages\\00311-ad9e58605fc4de2ea98f.webp" ], "chunk_title": "Cooperation in Higher Education", "chunk_data": "2. It also considers that there might be a far greater development of co-operation in those spheres of service where it is practicable. It would quote as examples:\n(a) The work of Higher Education. It believes that if, in any area where it is desirable to develop Higher Education under Missionary auspices, the Missions working in that area would combine to create a really strong College, the effect both upon the non-Christian and Christian communities would be excellent, each Society being at liberty to maintain its own Hostel for, and to give religious instruction to, its own Christian students, if it desired to do so.", "time": { "start_year": 1902, "start_month": null, "start_date": null, "end_year": 1902, "end_month": null, "end_date": null, "time_display": "1902 AD" }, "meta": { "people": [ "Christian students" ], "places": [ "India" ], "event": "The conference proposed cooperation among missions to establish strong colleges while preserving denominational hostels and religious instruction.", "tags": [ "Religion", "Education", "Ecumenism" ] } }, { "chunk_index": 32, "chapter_name": "1902. The Fourth Decennial Missionary Conference, Madras", "page_numbers": [ 287 ], "image_paths": [ "raw\\pages\\00311-ad9e58605fc4de2ea98f.webp" ], "chunk_title": "Cooperation in Missionary Services", "chunk_data": "(b) The same principle is applicable in lectures to non-Christians in Medical, Industrial and Literary work; for, while recognising the amount of co-operation that already exists, the Conference feels that large sums are at present being expended in small and isolated efforts which, if combined, would enable central institutions of the highest class to be kept in the various departments of Missionary activity.", "time": { "start_year": 1902, "start_month": null, "start_date": null, "end_year": 1902, "end_month": null, "end_date": null, "time_display": "1902 AD" }, "meta": { "people": [ "Non-Christians" ], "places": [ "India" ], "event": "The conference encouraged combining missionary resources for medical, industrial, literary, and other central institutions.", "tags": [ "Religion", "Education", "Ecumenism" ] } }, { "chunk_index": 33, "chapter_name": "1902. The Fourth Decennial Missionary Conference, Madras", "page_numbers": [ 287 ], "image_paths": [ "raw\\pages\\00311-ad9e58605fc4de2ea98f.webp" ], "chunk_title": "Resolution VI on Arbitration", "chunk_data": "Resolution VI\n\n1. This Conference declares in favour of the principle of Arbitration on matters of dispute between Missions.", "time": { "start_year": 1902, "start_month": null, "start_date": null, "end_year": 1902, "end_month": null, "end_date": null, "time_display": "1902 AD" }, "meta": { "people": [], "places": [ "India", "Ceylon" ], "event": "The conference endorsed arbitration for disputes between missions.", "tags": [ "Religion", "Ecumenism", "Governance" ] } }, { "chunk_index": 34, "chapter_name": "1902. The Fourth Decennial Missionary Conference, Madras", "page_numbers": [ 287 ], "image_paths": [ "raw\\pages\\00311-ad9e58605fc4de2ea98f.webp" ], "chunk_title": "Board of Arbitration Appointed", "chunk_data": "2. The Conference appoints the following representatives of Societies at present connected with the Decennial Missionary Conference to act as the Board of Arbitration for India and Ceylon, subject to the approval of the Home Societies; it being understood that only those Societies that accept the principle of Arbitration shall be represented to the Board:\n(names of the members of the Board are given)\nEvery Missionary Society not connected with the present Decennial Missionary Conference which may hereafter desire to be represented upon the Board of Arbitration, may nominate one representative to be added to the above.", "time": { "start_year": 1902, "start_month": null, "start_date": null, "end_year": 1902, "end_month": null, "end_date": null, "time_display": "1902 AD" }, "meta": { "people": [], "places": [ "India", "Ceylon" ], "event": "The conference appointed a Board of Arbitration for India and Ceylon and allowed additional missionary societies to nominate representatives.", "tags": [ "Religion", "Ecumenism", "Governance" ] } }, { "chunk_index": 35, "chapter_name": "1902. The Fourth Decennial Missionary Conference, Madras", "page_numbers": [ 287 ], "image_paths": [ "raw\\pages\\00311-ad9e58605fc4de2ea98f.webp" ], "chunk_title": "Executive Arbitration Committee", "chunk_data": "3. This Conference suggests to the above Board the election of an Executive Committee of fifteen members from among its number who shall prepare some system of arbitration to be submitted for approval to the Board.", "time": { "start_year": 1902, "start_month": null, "start_date": null, "end_year": 1902, "end_month": null, "end_date": null, "time_display": "1902 AD" }, "meta": { "people": [], "places": [ "India", "Ceylon" ], "event": "The conference proposed a fifteen-member executive committee to prepare an arbitration system.", "tags": [ "Religion", "Governance" ] } }, { "chunk_index": 36, "chapter_name": "1902. The Fourth Decennial Missionary Conference, Madras", "page_numbers": [ 287 ], "image_paths": [ "raw\\pages\\00311-ad9e58605fc4de2ea98f.webp" ], "chunk_title": "Disputes Settled Before Arbitration", "chunk_data": "4. This Conference expresses an opinion that in all cases of disagreement the Missions concerned should attempt a settlement between themselves, and that reference should be made to the Board of Arbitration only after such attempts have failed.", "time": { "start_year": 1902, "start_month": null, "start_date": null, "end_year": 1902, "end_month": null, "end_date": null, "time_display": "1902 AD" }, "meta": { "people": [], "places": [ "India", "Ceylon" ], "event": "The conference recommended direct settlement between disputing missions before referral to arbitration.", "tags": [ "Religion", "Governance", "Ecumenism" ] } }, { "chunk_index": 37, "chapter_name": "1902. The Fourth Decennial Missionary Conference, Madras", "page_numbers": [ 288 ], "image_paths": [ "raw\\pages\\00312-269292bd73a35080b985.webp" ], "chunk_title": "General Arbitration Principles", "chunk_data": "5. While recognising the desirability of leaving to the Board of Arbitration the preparation of a workable system of arbitration, this Conference desires to express its approval of the following general principles upon the basis of which questions of Comity can in its opinion be most satisfactorily settled:", "time": { "start_year": 1902, "start_month": null, "start_date": null, "end_year": 1902, "end_month": null, "end_date": null, "time_display": "1902 AD" }, "meta": { "people": [], "places": [ "India", "Ceylon" ], "event": "The conference approved general principles for settling questions of missionary comity.", "tags": [ "Religion", "Governance", "Ecumenism" ] } }, { "chunk_index": 38, "chapter_name": "1902. The Fourth Decennial Missionary Conference, Madras", "page_numbers": [ 288 ], "image_paths": [ "raw\\pages\\00312-269292bd73a35080b985.webp" ], "chunk_title": "Arbitration Requires Joint Referral", "chunk_data": "(a) That the Board can arbitrate only when any case is referred to it by the official representatives of both the Missions involved in any dispute. But in case one party declines arbitration, it shall still be open to the other party to appeal to the Board to use its friendly offices to bring about reconciliation.", "time": { "start_year": 1902, "start_month": null, "start_date": null, "end_year": 1902, "end_month": null, "end_date": null, "time_display": "1902 AD" }, "meta": { "people": [], "places": [ "India", "Ceylon" ], "event": "The conference stipulated that arbitration required referral by both missions, while allowing unilateral appeals for conciliatory assistance.", "tags": [ "Religion", "Governance", "Ecumenism" ] } }, { "chunk_index": 39, "chapter_name": "1902. The Fourth Decennial Missionary Conference, Madras", "page_numbers": [ 288 ], "image_paths": [ "raw\\pages\\00312-269292bd73a35080b985.webp" ], "chunk_title": "Arbitration Decisions Final", "chunk_data": "(b) That the decisions of the Board of Arbitration, or its appointed representatives, shall be final.", "time": { "start_year": 1902, "start_month": null, "start_date": null, "end_year": 1902, "end_month": null, "end_date": null, "time_display": "1902 AD" }, "meta": { "people": [], "places": [ "India", "Ceylon" ], "event": "The conference declared arbitration decisions final.", "tags": [ "Religion", "Governance" ] } }, { "chunk_index": 40, "chapter_name": "1902. The Fourth Decennial Missionary Conference, Madras", "page_numbers": [ 288 ], "image_paths": [ "raw\\pages\\00312-269292bd73a35080b985.webp" ], "chunk_title": "Equal Mission Representation", "chunk_data": "(c) That for the settlement of any dispute, the appointed representatives of the Board of Arbitration shall include an equal representation on behalf of each of the Missions directly concerned, chosen by them from among the members of the Board, it being left to the Board to appoint an additional member, or members, whether of its own body or not, having regard to the nature of the subject upon which arbitration is sought.", "time": { "start_year": 1902, "start_month": null, "start_date": null, "end_year": 1902, "end_month": null, "end_date": null, "time_display": "1902 AD" }, "meta": { "people": [], "places": [ "India", "Ceylon" ], "event": "The conference required equal representation from the missions directly involved in each arbitration case.", "tags": [ "Religion", "Governance", "Ecumenism" ] } }, { "chunk_index": 41, "chapter_name": "1902. The Fourth Decennial Missionary Conference, Madras", "page_numbers": [ 288 ], "image_paths": [ "raw\\pages\\00312-269292bd73a35080b985.webp" ], "chunk_title": "Survey of Unoccupied Fields", "chunk_data": "6. Further, this Conference is of opinion that the Board of Arbitration should take steps to obtain detailed information regarding unoccupied fields of labour, and thus be in a position to put before the Churches of Europe and America statements concerning those needs of India which can only be met by their aid.", "time": { "start_year": 1902, "start_month": null, "start_date": null, "end_year": 1902, "end_month": null, "end_date": null, "time_display": "1902 AD" }, "meta": { "people": [], "places": [ "India", "Europe", "America" ], "event": "The conference charged the Board of Arbitration with gathering information about unoccupied mission fields and presenting India's needs abroad.", "tags": [ "Religion", "Evangelism", "Missionary Organizations" ] } }, { "chunk_index": 42, "chapter_name": "1902. The Fourth Decennial Missionary Conference, Madras", "page_numbers": [ 288 ], "image_paths": [ "raw\\pages\\00312-269292bd73a35080b985.webp" ], "chunk_title": "Resolution VII for Ceylon", "chunk_data": "Resolution VII\n\nThis Conference also recommends the formation of a similar Board of Arbitration for Ceylon, and appoints the Rev. A. E. Dibben to bring the subject before the various Protestant Missions at work in the Island.", "time": { "start_year": 1902, "start_month": null, "start_date": null, "end_year": 1902, "end_month": null, "end_date": null, "time_display": "1902 AD" }, "meta": { "people": [ "A. E. Dibben" ], "places": [ "Ceylon" ], "event": "The conference recommended a Ceylon Board of Arbitration and appointed A. E. Dibben to raise the matter with Protestant missions there.", "tags": [ "Religion", "Governance", "Ceylon" ] } }, { "chunk_index": 43, "chapter_name": "1902. The Fourth Decennial Missionary Conference, Madras", "page_numbers": [ 288 ], "image_paths": [ "raw\\pages\\00312-269292bd73a35080b985.webp" ], "chunk_title": "Resolution VIII on Mission Transfers", "chunk_data": "Resolution VIII\n\n1. This Conference is of opinion that no worker should be received into another Mission as an agent without reference to the Mission of which he was formerly a member and the receipt of a certificate of good character, and, in case he has contracted obligations for his training and education, without his continuing to discharge in his new position such obligations as may be mutually agreed upon.", "time": { "start_year": 1902, "start_month": null, "start_date": null, "end_year": 1902, "end_month": null, "end_date": null, "time_display": "1902 AD" }, "meta": { "people": [ "Mission workers" ], "places": [ "India", "Ceylon" ], "event": "The conference set conditions for receiving workers transferred from another mission, including references and fulfillment of training obligations.", "tags": [ "Religion", "Missionary Organizations", "Governance" ] } }, { "chunk_index": 44, "chapter_name": "1902. The Fourth Decennial Missionary Conference, Madras", "page_numbers": [ 288 ], "image_paths": [ "raw\\pages\\00312-269292bd73a35080b985.webp" ], "chunk_title": "Missionary Communication Encouraged", "chunk_data": "2. This Conference considers it desirable that Missions working near each other and among similar classes should communicate with each other, with a view to obtaining as much uniformity in", "time": { "start_year": 1902, "start_month": null, "start_date": null, "end_year": 1902, "end_month": null, "end_date": null, "time_display": "1902 AD" }, "meta": { "people": [], "places": [ "India", "Ceylon" ], "event": "The conference encouraged communication between nearby missions serving similar communities to promote greater uniformity.", "tags": [ "Religion", "Ecumenism", "Missionary Organizations" ] } } ] }