Catholic Federation

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Oct 21, 1909

Catholic Federation

THE American Federation of Catholic Societies was planned for a definite object. That object was to bring the united power of American Catholics to bear upon American politicians for the shaping of American legislation in harmony with the purposes of the Catholic Church. The federation is growing in numbers continually, and its purposes are being taken out of the mist of uncertainty and indecision, and focused upon definite objects. It is an organization that is to play a very important part in the history of this nation from now on.

Says the editor of America (a Roman Catholic journal), in speaking of the desirability of eliminating unimportant resolutions from the proceedings of the society:—

It is desirable to agree upon a few very definite and practical points, and to turn the whole machinery of the organization upon their accomplishment. Other points might be mentioned and recommended in proportion to their importance, for such local branches of the federation as may deem them most necessary and feasible. We should then expect to find in the annual report submitted to the subsequent convention an account of the results effected in accordance with the resolutions.

We as Protestant Christians understand very well that one of the “definite and practical points” toward which this organization will work is the securing and enforcing of laws regarding the observance of Sunday. The organization has definitely committed itself to a policy of opposition to what it terms “Sabbath desecration,” and the Catholic Church has signified its willingness to unite with the Protestant churches for the enforcement of Sunday laws. In view of this prospect, Sabbath-keeping Christians can not look with unconcern upon the declared purpose of this strong Catholic organization.