The women of the United States have put forward a
new claim, 'which they will, we imagine, win. Most of the churches there are organized on the plan of the English Nonconformists, the whole body of communicants electing and dismissing the pastor, and virtually, though not nominally, settling the " Articles " to which he is to subscribe. Women, however, are not allowed to inter- fere, or even to be present at church meetings. The female com- municants of several large churches, therefore, are asking whether they also have not souls, and if so, why they are excluded from choosing their minister? It will be very difficult to answer that question, more especially as the average woman of America knows more theology of a kind than the average man, and subscribes quite as liberally. We recommend this new claim to any of our 44 woman's rights" friends who belong to any creed with demo- cratic organization. At present, the Quakers are the only sect who formally recognize the equality of the sexes in ecclesiastical affairs.
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