Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1963-11-09
Cardinal Calls
For Reforming
OF Holy Office

VIlVII SIIOS
VATICAN CITY, Nov. 9 (AP).
"A heated debate at the Vati-
can Ecumenical Council as
Joseph Cardinal Frings Of
Cologne called for basic reform
Of the holy office made yes
terday's session one Of the most
dramatic since the council first
assembled Is months ago.
Cardinal Frings denounced
the holy office-the Vatican's
guardian Of doctrine-as "a
source Of harm to the faithful
and Of scandal to those outside
the church"
An Italian-born conservative,
Alfredo Cardinal Ottaviani, Is
secretary Of the holy office,
which grew out Of the inquisi-
ton. He defended its pro-
cedures. Both an administra-
tive agency and q tribunal, the
holy office handles such ques-
tons as heresy and crimes
against the church.
Aims at Jewish Foes
In another important de-
velopment, the 1900 council
fathers received q document
aimed at ending anti-Jewish
views among Roman Catholics
and charging all mankind with
responsibility for Christ's death.
1t represents two years Of work
begun by Pope John XIII and
was submitted by the Secre-
tariat for Promoting Christian
Unity headed by German-born
Augustin Cardinal Bea.
The presentation Of the doc
ument on Jews was hailed by
the American Jewish Commit
tee In New York as IAN his
toric event." The committees
president. A. M. Sonnabend Of
Boston, said the proposed draft
may well augur q new era in
Catholic Jewish relations.
The document stressed the
church's ties with the Jews Of
the Old Testament. It affirmed
that all mankind and not Jews
alone were responsible for
Christ's death, stated 1t Is un-
Just to consider Jews cursed by
God, and called on priests and
teachers Of religion never to
present q contrary position"
but to promote mutual esteem.
No Date Il Set t
No date was set for the start
Of discussion on it. It could
be before this session ends De-
cember 4, or later.
In the days debate, Cardinal
Frings drew a burst Of applause
from the assembled cardinals
and other prelates - though
council rules forbid applause
with a declaration that the
holy Offices procedures are
often unjust and that its
methods ARE badly In need Of
updating."
1T Is not fair for the Holy
office to accuse, Judge and con-
denim any individual without
his having q chance to defend
himself at a hearing" the Ger.
man prelate said.
Council spokesman, In relay
ing his remarks to reporters,
said Cardinal Ottaviani later
protested vigorously. He re-
minded the council that the
Pope is always the project
(chief officer Of the holy office
and said such criticism Is a
reflection on the Pope.
Defends Holy Office
Cardinal Ottaviani charged
the attacks stemmed from
lack Of knowledge or worse. 4"
He said the holy office never
accuses, judges or condemns
anyone without q thorough in
vestigation, carried on with
the help Of competent con-
Sultors and experienced spe-
cialists."
Michael Cardinal Browne, an
1rish-born member Of the Holy
Office, supported Cardinal Of
taviani's viewpoint.
Archbishop Eugene D'Souza
Of Bhopal. India, backed Car
dinal Frings. He said the Vati-
can Curia, like the church, is
subject to change. The Curia is
made Up of the Holy Office
and IL other administrative
congregations.
Antagonist Grows
The clash stripped away a
veil of decorum that had COW
cred growing antagonism be-
tween the conservative and
progressive camps. This antag-
onism has been sharpened BY
what is at stake in the current
schema under discussion, "Bish.
ops and Diocesan Government"
ProgreSsIveS are advocating
a concept of collegiality, that
bishops share authority with
the Pope and should therefore
have direct access to him with
out going through the Curia.
BY 6-1 the council approved
the concept in a test ballot
taken last week to guide its
theological commission.