ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH

Otago Witness, Issue 3016, 3 January 1912, Page 29

ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH

LONDON, December 27.

A Rome correspondent states that the decree mentioned yesterday applies exclusively to the few countries where clerical privileges have not fallen into desuetude. Presumably, therefore, Ireland is not included in the decree. DUBLIN, December 26.

A correspondent of The Times states in reference to the Papal decree prohibiting Catholics from suing the clergy in the State courts that transgression of the decree involves sentence of excommunication, as already pronounced, but adds that absolution from excommunication ie specially reserved to the Pope. The decree similarly penalises those enacting laws or decrees against the liberty or rights of the Church. Thus every member of Parliament legislating and every executive officer promulgating such laws oomee within the scope of the decree. The Nationalists already realise the possibilities of the decree as an instrument of battle against Home Rule. The correspondent adds that for the second time within a few years the Church has dealt the cause of separation heavy blows.

MALTA, December 26.

Archbishop Bourne has arrived to arrange the next Eucharistic Corigress for the island, which will be held in 1913 or 1914.

SYDNEY. December 2S.

Archbishop Kelly, in an interview regarding the cabled Papal decree, advised the public to await the full text. He trusted that it would be found to be rational, regular, salutary, and worthy of the distinguished commission to which the revision of the canon law had been entrusted. The decree in substance would uphold the traditions and liberties of the Gospel.