The Catholic bulletin. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1911-1995, 1916-09-09
THE CHURCH IN AMERICA
THE CATHOLIC CHURCH IN THE
UNITED STATES HAS BEEN
CALLED UPON TO SOLVE MANY
COMPLEX PROBLEMS.

Under the heading, THE Roman
Catholic Church in the United States
the New York Sun publishes the
subjoined appreciation of the Catho-
licity of this country in a recent issue.
1t says:
In the United States the Roman
Catholic Church has been compelled
to solve problems unlike those forced
on it elsewhere. Religious liberty,
the absence Of State support, with
the consequent necessity of obtaining
it's revenues from voluntary contribu-
tors, have posed one set of questions.
The heterogeneous population, com
posed of immigrants of numerous ma
tionalities, many Of them accustomed
to rigid secular and clerical regula-
ton in their native countries, and I'M
prepared to exercise the self-restraint
essential to democratic institutions,
presented another. Jealousy and dis
trust springing from old world en-
vlrOnmentS have complicated the sit
uation. But in spite of these evident
difficulties, the influence of which is
| observable in all parts of the nation,
the Church has had a wonderful
growth, and enjoys to-day a prosper
ity, material and spiritual, that is in
Dictated, though not measured, by the
convention now in session here.
ITO the non-Catholic this gathering
offers an opportunity of informing
himself on the processes and methods
of the Church that is invaluable.
Here are gathered, in common en-
deavor for single cause, the highest
ecclesiastical dignftaries, princes of
the Church, priests and laymen from
all parts of the country; and in their
deliberations as these are revealed in
the official programme and developed
in the discussions it will be found
that no subject of interest and con
or overlooked. The clerics and lay
men who compose this convention
give their lively attention to every
project that affects the welfare of the
population. Whatever the subject
may be-the character of theatrical
and divorce laws, the educational en-
terprises of Church and of the State
in every relation of human life the
alert and vigorous intelligence of a
great body Of men and women sub
scribing to common faith will be
found at work, striving at all times
for the improvement of conditions in
the community.
'The observer will find that the
Church, besides it's spiritual efforts
and what may be called it's sectarian
activities, promotes and supports a
multitude of movements that affect
it's own communicates directly in
their daily engagements, and react in
degree frequently ignored on those
outside it's fold. In the prosecution
of what, for want of better term
may be described as secular work, to
distinguish it from purely religious
pursuits, a remarkable organization
has been built up by which the prin-
cipal mission of this mighty engine
is served. In the development of this
patience, wisdom and devotion have
been conspicuous; and the reward for
the ceaseless application of these
qualities to the antagonistic elements
that compose the membership of the
Church is the power and authority
it has attained without the assistance
of State grants or the aid of discrimi-
natory legislation"