THE KINGSHIP OF CHRIST

Press, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22244, 8 November 1937, Page 5

THE KINGSHIP OF CHRIST

TO THE EDITOR OT THE PRESS. Sir, —"Protestant" accuses me of ambiguity in my reply to "Inquirer," but there was no ambiguity 'in either of the sentences he quotes; the impediment is in his undertanding. Neither the Pope nor my humble self said anything so silly as that the Catholic Church had instituted a Feast for non-Catholic Governments. The feast was for the whole Church —i.e., the Church Christ founded, namely the Catholic Church, of which, as I pointed out, Protestant sects are not parts. It was intended to emphasise—to Catholics —that all governments are responsible to Christ; that should be plain enough. The Pope was not so fatuous as to suggest that Stalin, Hitler, King Farouk, th,e Mikado, the Emir of Transjordania and King George of England should all join with Catholics in observing a Catholic Feast. But there are Catholics in authority In Belgium, Austria, Australia, the Irish Free State, Poland, Italy, and elsewhere, and the Pope thought it opportune that these should be reminded of the truth that all civil governments are responsible to Christ.

The pronoun "we" queried by "Protestant" meant all Catholics—said to be roughly 350,000,000 in number. I am glad that "Protestant," though not a member of the Catholic Church, acknowledges the authority of Christ, and believes in the Catholic doctrine of the Resurrection of the Body.— Yours, etc., (REV.) FRANK B. SEWARD. Lincoln, November 6. 1937.

TO THE EDITOR OT THE TRESS.

Sir,—The information giving the origin and meaning of the festival of the Kingship of Christ has been interesting to many, but another question arises: why choose this date seeing it is linked with the birth of Christ? Why not combine this feast with Christmas? A double would be struck then! The King of Kings gave commandment, saying. "Call no man your father upon earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven." Christ was dealing with the order of the Pharisees when giving this commandment. If Christ is to be The Supreme, His commandments must be kept.—Yours, etc., SAMSON.

November 6, 1937. [Subject to the right of reply of "Inquirer," this correspondence is now closed.—Ed., "The Press."]