The Union Romanism Seeks by Editor

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park, Washington, D. C. · Sep 26, 1912

The Union Romanism Seeks

By Editor

THE desire of Roman Catholics to unite their efforts in behalf of religious reform with their Protestant brethren is indicated in the words of Bishop McFaul, who addressed a mass-meeting at Louisville, Ky., at the gathering of the annual Federation of Catholic Societies. According to the Washington Post of Aug. 19, 1912, he said: "Let me say that we Catholics are anxious to hold out the right hand of friendship to all Christian denominations combating the civil and religious evils of the day." But we may be assured that this hand of friendship will be extended to an extent no further than will serve and advance Catholic interests.

We would not ascribe ulterior motives to every kind utterance of Catholic workers. We believe that in her fellowship are Christian men and women. Doubtless there are among her clergymen those who in the fear of God are doing the best they know; but we may be assured that that church will permit none of its prelates to carry the influence of the denomination any further in the support of religious reforms than she sees will redound in the end to her own glory and prestige.

It is not so much the individual priests and prelates that are at fault, but the system under which they labor and the principles which they hold. If followed, this system and these principles would do for Protestants and for the best of men what they have done for the adherents of Rome. The only union of effort which the Roman Church will seek is a union which recognizes the primacy of her claims, and accords to her the supremacy which she demands.