The Fruit of Intolerance

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D.C. · Nov 7, 1907

The Fruit of Intolerance

According to press reports, there is much agitation among the various Catholic orders of Italy. They fear that the law not recognizing them will be enforced, and that the government will seize their property. It is reported that many of these congregations are disposing of their lands and buildings by sale and otherwise. Those of foreign origin will apply to their respective governments for protection. Concerning this situation the Northwestern Christian Advocate says:—

Such a situation is the result of Roman Catholic intolerance. It is not surprising that a people who have ben taught intolerance toward Protestants should turn against their teachers and display the same spirit toward them. Roman Catholic institutions are for this reason safer in Protestant countries, like England and the United States, than they are in Roman Catholic countries, like Italy and France.

Yet in spite of this fact, in spite of the hierarchy’s record along that line, there is in this country a growing spirit to apologize for the Rome of the past and to welcome the Rome of the present, which are one and the same. It is that spirit that is making the American Federation of Catholic Societies powerful now in carrying out the purposes of the church, and that will make it increasingly powerful and overwhelming in the years to come.