Officials at a Catholic Peace Mass by Editor

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Dec 1, 1910

Officials at a Catholic Peace Mass

By Editor

THANKSGIVING day a peace mass was celebrated in St. Patrick’s Church, Washington, following the inauguration of this service on the same occasion last year. President Taft, with several members of his cabinet, and a number of the diplomatic corps, representing sixteen different nations, were in attendance. Secretary of State Knox was one of the speakers at the luncheon following. We have no disposition to criticize the church attendance of any individual. It is the right of every man, from the chief magistrate to the humblest citizen, to attend the church of his own choice, or not to attend church at all, as he may individually elect. However, it is a question for serious thought as to what extent a government official, as such, should give attendance at a church service of such a distinctive character as this one. If the president and the cabinet officers, in their official capacities, attend the celebration of mass in a Catholic church, even though done ostensibly in the interests of international peace, there is given to the occasion a character which simulates closely the spirit of the old church-and-state régime. And in this particular instance, as well as on all similar occasions, the Roman Church is not slow to take advantage of such patronage, and turn it to her own account. Aside from their official character, she cares not one whit whether President Taft, Secretary Knox, and other officials attend mass, more than other men. She seeks their attendance not as men merely, but as government representatives, and in this relationship recognizes them. By this means she seeks to regain her lost prestige as chief counselor in affairs of state. Let us beware of her adroit maneuverings.