THE ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH IN POLITICS.
The Catholic Federation Society aims to bring together all Catholic Societies in one body for united action along certain lines. A large meeting was held in New York City Sunday evening, June 12. According to the Catholic Mirror, the following Catholic Societies were represented:— The Holy Name Society, St. Vincent de Paul Conference, Knights of Columbus, Catholic Benevolent Legion, Ancient Order of Hibernians, Archdiocesan Union, German Catholic State League, German Catholic Central Verein, Catholic Knights of America, Catholic Mutual Benevolent Association, Catholic clubs, and Catholic sodalities and clubs. Hon. Bourke Cockran, one of the chief speakers, declared the objects as follows:— The objects of the Federation can be gathered under three heads. Briefly these are: First, questions which only Catholics realize; second, questions which only Catholics can remedy, and, finally, questions which neither Catholic nor Protestant has solved. The first question comes in the form of hostility to Christian instruction, and yet the State says it is necessary for its own safety to instruct its youth in questions of morality. The cry is for non-sectarian education. There is no such thing. The school must be either Christian or anti-Christian, and if it is non-sectarian it is anti-Christian. Of course Mr. Cockran would logically work for the “Christianization” of the State. Mr. Mooney said in part:— The Catholic Church has made unparalleled progress in America, particularly in the natural sense. But the Catholic Church has not yet taken the place in the life of the nation to which she is entitled from her dowry of everlasting truth. Has the Federation any help along these lines to give? I am persuaded it has, and as such it is entitled to our full faith and support. When any question arises in politics which is likely to affect the church, the Federation—and we may say the flexible politician—will be there.