Year: 1869

consequences of that principle if 1t were to
oppose a system of preventive and restrictive


measures to an affair which, such as the con-


vocation of a general council, is an act that


has its foundation in the constitution of the
| Church. 1t having been


laid down as a general rule that the fullest


liberty must be given to the recognized re-
| ligious communities, in their internal activ-
| ity, as long as it does not come in collision


with the stand point of the State, the impe-


rial and royal Government has not been able


TO see sufficient motives, either of right or
/ opportunity, as the matter stands, to-day, to


concur in the proposal of the royal Bavarian
/ Government, at present, however worthy of
consideration that proposal be in itself. Re-
! specting the proceedings of the council, only
| snppositions, more or less probable, can be
made at present. Not even of the pro-
gramme of the subjects of deliberaiion of :he
council has any official information been
given, except the general intimation con-
tanned in the .Papal bull of convocation


Moreover, nobody will dispute the general
council of the Church the province of purely
dogmatical questions. However. as regards
the ecclesiastical affairs of the State, as well
as those matters which, in common with re-
ligion, affect at the same time also the civil
rights, it is difficult TO form, to-day, judg-
ment as to whether there is danger 10 be
apprehended that the differences which have
become manifest in this respect will be
widened by the deliberations and resolutions
of the council, and raised to such pitch as
to increase the danger of the security of the
States. We can neither deny nor confirm
the existence of such a danger.


But, in general, it may be presumed that
the Catholic bishops, the great majority of
whom must reside and perform their sacred
functions in countries which are governed by
completely secularized laws, will bring with
them to Rome an exact knowledge of the
practical necessities of our age. And II the
expectation be justified that advocates in
favor of the preservation of peace between
Stateand Church, will not be wanting among
the prelates of the council, it will not, per
haps, be in the interests of the governments
to let those voices appear being patronized
by the State, which might prejudice their
authority. Furthermore, it can not, as yet
be discerned what the attitude OF the Papa
See (Which, in the present state of the world,
will neither be able nor willing to renew the
precedents OF past centuries regarding the
participation of the secular princes in the
cOuDcil,) will be towards the governments
relative to these subjects of discussion, re-
specting which the resolutions of the coun-
Gil can not be carried into effect without the
recognition of the State In our opinion, the
governments are, however, in such a posi-
ton that they can await the steps Of the
Church government that they may become





preaching council really show signs or adopt
means to trespass on the sphere of right of
the executive power of the State, or should
certain indications of such q tendency mani
fest themselves in an authentic manner, the
Imperial and Royal Government is of opinion
that in that case the question could surely
not be avoided to consider how far, besides
the averting and dissuading steps of the
several States, combined deliberations of tine
Cabinets might become advisable or neces-
sary for the common protection of the sove-
reign rights of the States. On the other
hand we can not agree 20 a diplomatic con-
ference on the mere presumption of possible
encroachments upon these rights, and raise,
thereby, the appearance, perhaps, mot TO
speak of the increased difficulty of coming
to a distinct understanding on so uncertain
a basis-of on intended control and restric-
tion of the liberty of the Catholic Church,
and increase the anxiety of minds withou.
necessity.