No. 303.
Mr. Rublee to Mr. Fish.

No. 284.]

Sir: I have in previous dispatches given, from time to time, brief accounts of the rise and progress of what is popularly known as the Old Catholic movement in Switzerland. It therefore seems proper that I should now inform you that the organization of the Christian Catholic, or National Catholic Church, of Switzerland, was completed by the election of a bishop on the 7th instant. This step had been previously authorized by the federal government. The synod, which was held at Olten, was composed of fifty-four ecclesiastics and one hundred and five laymen. Professor Herzog, curé of the Christian Catholic church of the city of Berne, was chosen bishop, receiving 117 out of 158 votes. At first he positively declined the election, declaring that he felt himself wanting in the calmness and moderation of spirit which befitted such a position; that he was a partisan, and that a bishop ought not to be a partisan. By this remark he alluded, as I understand, to the active support and sympathy which he has in times past extended to the civil authorities in their conflicts with the Roman Catholic clergy. Among a minority of the synod there was, it is reported, a feeling that some one less susceptible to political influences should be chosen. However, after the choice had been made by so decisive a vote, the minority joined with the majority in the endeavor to persuade Professor Herzog to accept the position. Time was given him for reflection, and, upon a subsequent day, it was announced that he had acceded to the general wish. The declaration of principles adopted by the synod pronounces confession as not obligatory upon members of the church, allowing individuals to consult their own consciences and inclinations in respect thereto; permits the marriage of the clergy, and expresses approval of the effort making by the Old Catholics of Germany to bring about a union between the Old Catholic, the Anglican, and the Greek Churches, promising to aid as far as possible in promoting its success.

A report was made to the synod in regard to the present condition of the Christian Catholic Church in Switzerland. From this it appears [Page 567] that there are at present fifty-five communes belonging to the church, and seventeen associations or unions, the whole numbering 73,380 souls.

The proceedings do not seem to have excited much interest outside of the church organization.

I have, &c.,

HORACE RUBLEE.