Catholic Stand

A forthright statement that went far toward clarifying the stand of the Catholic Church in World War II was issued last week by the Church's Archbishops and Bishops of the U.S. In the most resounding language yet used by an important Catholic hierarchy, the Bishops declared that America was fighting a righteous war "in the defense of life and right," and urged all Catholics to unite Dec. 8 "in praying for a victory and for a peace acceptable to God."

Such language had significance not only for U.S. Catholics, but for church members all over the world. Obviously, this militant indorsement of United Nations war aims would not have been made without due regard for the sympathies of Pope Pius XII. In no Axis country has the Catholic Church come out to pray for victory or pronounce the Axis' cause righteous.

Said the statement: "We express our deepest sympathy to our brother Bishops in all countries of the world where religion is persecuted, liberty abolished and the rights of God and of men are violated. . . . We feel a deep sense of revulsion against the cruel indignities heaped upon Jews in conquered countries and upon defenseless peoples not of our faith. . . .

"While war is the last means to which a nation should resort, circumstances arise when it is impossible to avoid it. At times it is the positive duty of a nation to wage war in the defense of life and right. Our country now finds itself in such circumstances."

In their blueprint for peace, the Catholic Bishops also spoke in unprecedented language. Chief recommendations:

> "In the post-war world the profit element of industry and commerce must be made subservient to the common good of communities and nations.

> "The inequalities of nations and of individuals can never give to governments or to the leaders of industry or commerce a right to be unjust ... or to encourage conditions under which men cannot live according to the standards befitting human personality.

> "The full benefits of our free institutions and the rights of our minorities must be openly acknowledged and honestly respected. We ask this acknowledgment and respect particularly for our colored fellow citizens."

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