Preparing to Clasp Hands

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Nov 5, 1908

Preparing to Clasp Hands

THE Reformation of the sixteenth century and the separation from the Roman Catholic Church which then occurred were the outcome of a protest against the teachings of the Roman Church. These teachings have not changed, but there has been a tendency in recent years to yield the ground which was gained at such a cost, and to close the breach between Protestantism and Catholicism. The probable outcome is clearly discerned, and as clearly stated, in the following paragraph from a recent editorial in the Independent (N. Y.):—

There are two great religious forces in this country, the one the Protestant churches, and the other the Catholic Church. Of these the former is the larger, and we may say the more aggressive the world over. But the two are less mutually hostile than they were. Protestants forget to protest; Catholics know that they are not the total Christian church. The two agree more than they differ. They will come closer together. Already they tolerate each other; by and by they will recognize and affiliate in good work, as now Presbyterians and Methodists do.

For years we have expected that Protestantism and Catholicism would join hands and make common cause against the special message of truth for this generation, and the evidence is not lacking that that time is not far distant.