Typed letter from N.D. Pendleton to Rev. Henry Leonardos in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Pendleton received Leonardos’ last letter and report of the Rio Society in time for the annual mid-year meetings. Pendleton reports that two full sessions of the ministers’ meetings were devoted to the “State of the Church,” specifically the question of “mixed marriages” within the Church. Pendleton emphasized the responsibility of ministers in performing the marriage ceremony, especially in cases where the two parties are of different religions. He writes, “I hold that such a marriage is, in a high degree, disorderly, and that while cases may differ materially, yet the minister has a right to refuse to take part if he is convinced that the two are in fact and state of different religions, in the sense that the Writings mean when condemning such marriages as ‘heinous.’” Pendleton notes with interest the political honors which have been offered to Rev. Lima and expresses his hope that this will allow Lima greater opportunity to enter more fully into the spiritual work of the Church. Names mentioned: Rev. Joao de Mendonca Lima