MINISTERS’ BRIDES

Dominion, Volume 26, Issue 301, 15 September 1933, Page 11

MINISTERS’ BRIDES

Methodist Plan Rejected QUESTION OF SUITABILITY An unusual recommendation, concerning the fiancees of candidates for the ministry, was mad? at the first conference of the Methodist Church at the Central Halil Westminster, London, last month, by Dr. J. H. Ritson, general secretary of the Ministerial Training Committee. Dr. Ritson said that the committee desired to make the following addendum: “If any candidate has entered into a matrimonial engagement, the superintendent (of the circuit) shall furnish a written statement as to the suitability of his fiancee.” Following the outburst of surprise •which the recommendation called forth. Dr. Ritson observed:’“Some delegate called out ‘No.’ It sounded as if be would be afraid to do this.” A Delegate: Does “suitability” mean suitable as a minister’s wife or suitable to be married to the candidate? Dr. Ritson: Suitable as a minister’s wife. Dr. Dinsdalo v T. Young:. I did not gather who was to be the judge of the suitability. Some of the delegates continued to be excited and amused at the proposal, and the president (the Rev. Luke Wiseman) observed sharply. “It is not a matter to be lightly treated. The committee has made a serious proposition, and I hope the conference will treat it seriously. If you do not like it you will have an opportunity Of expressing your dislike, but take the ordinary way of doing It.” The proposal, on a show of handa, was defeated, and declared to be “not approved.”