The Catholic times. [volume] (Columbus, Ohio) 1951-current, 1953-06-19
For The Common Good

The follo,oino is the full tert of the address
deltcered bg Glars Adams, president of the Ohio
State Life Insurance Company at the meeting tohich
opened the ciUic phase of the Diocesan Development
Fund Campaign, June IS, 1858.
| am Protestant | am a Protestant by in
heritance and conviction. | hold religious
views from which not only Catholics but
earnest men of many faiths vigorously and
conScientiously dissent. However, | have
never found that to be an insurmountable
barrier to personal friendship, mutual re-
spect, sympathetic understanding. or effec-
tive cooperation in good cause
=. However freedom entails obligations. De
mocracy imposes responsibilities. The strength of
our institutions derives from the strength of our
people. Self government requires an enlightened
ctzenry. II follows therefore that education of the
young is national problem of paramount import
ance.
Many times in the story of the human race des-
tiny has rested upon leadership and leadership has
its roots in knowledge. There can be equality
where there is not equality of opportunity and
there can be no real equality of opportunity with
out general access to education. The very genius
of Democracy depends upon enlightened we'll
Is free electorate.
However education without character is as futile
and fruitless, as dangerous material strength
without commensurate spiritual stature. The Father
warned all generations OF Americans that the
strength of the nation would rest finally upon the
moral quality of our people and that the ultimate
source of morality is religion.
America is committed TO free public education.
Much of our resources are invested in this project
which we conceive to be process for the perpetua
tion of Democracy However, from the beginning
of our civilization on this continent much OF educa
tion has been initiated and supported by the church
of the nation Church schools at every level have
always supplemented public education. We all will
ingy pay taxes TO support education for every one
as 4 necessary function of government However
there are those who firmly believe, and they are
not confined to the sdherens of any one faith, that
moral and religious instruction should go hand in
hand with the attainment of knowledge. They be
lieve that education should incucae character and
minister to the spirit as well as the mind In my
opinion neither concept has any just quarrel with
the other.
The Catholic Church has made major contribu
ton to the education of young throughout the
history of the Church in this country. Its par0cha
schools and its higher institutions Of learning have
enriched the culture of civilization and
tributed TO the character Of citzenry. To the
extent that they seek to make better men they
the whole community and through the community
the whole nation.
| can conceive of no why any citizen
should have any prejudice against parochial schools
or indeed against any private educational institution
supported Dy the adnefehtS OF any religious IalAn
II is a valid form of private enterprise
At the present time 10000 pupils are enrolled
tn the Catholic schools Of this community. Our pub
lie school system even now inadequate, could not
accommodate them with present facilities. The
school tax rate already high would be much greater
were IL not for parochal schools Their existence
represents a distinct economic advantage to every
tax payer OF every other faith results IN double
burden to the devout members of the Catholic
Church
n seems reasonable TO me that the principal part
of this burden should be borne by Catholics and 1t
Is one which they cheerfully bear. However the
parochial school system does represent personal
advantage to everyone which | think men OF good
conscience and men OF good will might Justly reeoe
nize II is a cause 10 which men OF means, who are
interested IN good works. might well want To con
tribute. In my opinion ii is project IN which
business enterprises which serve the whole public
Catholic Protestant and JeW-the personnel Of
which s composed Of men and women of all faiths
have valid reason TO support. No man was ever
poorer American because he was a better member
of his own Church. No man ever served his own
religion we'll BY disservice 10 any other. No man
should turn his back upon any good that flows from
any source.
Included also in this appeal is funds for st.
Nincents 0rphanage. This is one Of the institutions
IN this community whose ministratons of mercy 10
the helpless orphan has been outstanding. Surely
there should be no partisanShip, religious political
or otherwise in service TO humanity. There are
many differences OF opinion between Catholics and
Protestants There Is none concerning Catholic
charity In hospitals correctional homes, ana or
phanages its ministratons TO the needy and the
poor makes the whole population directly OF lnd-
rectly the beneficiary of It's good works. It's phil.
anthropy has not been confined to its own faith 1t
serves all. il deserves the support OF all Mercy
makes all men kin Compassion Is the mark oi our
kinship with the Son of God.
Therefore believe that in good conscience You
can present this good 10 all men of good Will
It's success will rebound to the benefit OF everyone
II is common project in kind If not degree for the
common good IT viii help pake Columbus better
place In which 10 live.