The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1883-06-06
THE PROPOSED COUNCIL.

The fhUfOSED CUUNClL,
There seems to be some truth in the re-
port that letters have been issued from the
Propaganda summoning all the American
archbishops to Rome to receive the Papal IN
structions and make preparations for a pro-
vincial council of the whole American
church, which is to be held next year in
some city of the United States not yet named.
1t is said that ''the chief object of the coun-
Gil will be to tighten the bands connecting
the Catholic church of America with Rome,
and to concert various disciplinary measures
tending to render the spiritual and social life
of ecclesiastics more austere than it has late
ly been under the influence of democratic
and republican institutions. The Vatican
regards the coming council as one of very
great importance" America is, of course.
considered by Rome missionary ground, and
there is nothing essentially improbable in
such a movement as is outlined, based upon
religious and churchly considerations alone.
But in the present condition of affairs the
conclusion is at. once jumped at that political
and social questions may more or less enter
into the discussions and figure in the pur-
poses of such a council. In this country the
divorce between church and state is absolute,
INT our Catholic fellow-citizens, while
thoroughly loyal and devoted to
their faith, are still masters of
their own consciences upon all ques-
tions outside the proper spiritual juris-
diction of the sovereign Pontiff. Any effort
to obtrude ex cathedra into other domains
would be holly resented, and could but re-
suit in loosening, instead OF Strengthening,
the bonds that connect American ca
tholicism with Rome. That such will be the
effect OF the recent action in Ireland cannot
be disputed. q
And yet there are certain questions which,
by the action of demagogues, are made to
take on a semi-political aspect, upon which
it is perfectly proper for the governing body
of any church to address words of counsel
and warning to their membership. This is
done by the Protestant churches, in the
shape of quadrennial addresses or of assem-
bly, deliverances, and there can be no good rea-
son to say that the Holy Father shall not send
his children encyclical letters on such topics
when it pieases him. The Romish church
stands for social order, and in times
of upheaval the Rom;sh hierarchy can
and does WELD a powerful influence for good.
We remember that when Bishop Chatardl
came to indianapolis to assume charge of
this diocese he gave assurance to Mayor
Caven and TO Governor Williams, who were
present officially at his reception, that the
church under his administration would
stand for law and order, an assurance that
was received with the utmost favor, and
meant much at that particular juncture.
Taking all the considerations together, we
see no special reason for alarm by anybody
at the proposal to hold an American council
of the Catholic church. Other churches
hold them stately, and the Romish church
is entitled to assemble its prelates and repre-
sentatiges, and counsel together if it desires.
If their ~counsels shall be unwise, or shall
cross The st~rongly-marked line laid down in
this government between church and state,
they will not only come to naught, but will
prove a weakness. If, on the contrary, as
there is every reason to believe they will be,
the discussions and decisions of the council
shall be upon questions fairly and properly
within the domain of faith and morals, much
good may result to he church, church
that has an honorable history in this country,
and that has filled and yet continues to fill
a place of the utmost importance to govern
mental and social stability.