"THE FAILURE OF THE CHURCH"

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22546, 13 April 1935, Page 20

"THE FAILURE OF THE CHURCH"

TO THE EDITOR Sir,—Father J. Higgins, S.M., of St. Patrick's College, Wellington, is to be congratulated on his pronouncement in your issue of April 10 as to the Roman Catholic viewpoint on the Church and society. All churches have placed their views on record as to the ghastly injustice of our present economic system, it is outside the province of the Church to make economic laws for man, but it is the rightful duty to point out that our present economic laws are a tragic failure. It would, indeed, be a triumph for Christianity if all the churches met and gave utterance to a general declaration that our existing system has failed and to insist upon a change. It is within the power of man to frame laws which will give us all a decent standard of living and economic security. May I call Father Higgins's attention to the remarkable story of Father Cougklin, an American priest, who broadcasts over 27 United States radio stations every Sunday, and whose influence on American public opinion is said to be greater than that of President Roosevelt. Father Coughlin advocates social credit, and in giving evidence before the Goldsborough Sub-committee on Banking and Currency at Washington, espoused social credit and commended Douglas.— —I am. etc.. P. B.