IN a Pastoral Letter called "Our Duties towards non
Catholics," Bishop Beck of Salford refers to the many " outside the Church who are deeply disturbed about the meaning and purpose of life, and who are perplexed at the changing standards of conduct and behaviour which are so evident in the world."
Pointing out that "each one of us may well be an instrument of God's grace for the conversion of others," Bishop Beck urges Catholics to " rouse " themselves and do all they can for those who are "groping for something which will give them guidance, certainty, peace and tranquillity of spirit in the midst of so much that is shifting and unstable," " Sometimes," he adds, '' there is preiudice against the Church; more otten an amazing ignorance of What she is and what she teaches, and yet an unconscious admiration for her authority, her consistency, and the fearless way in which she defends the cause of truth and justice."
Share the riches of the Catholic Faith. urges the Bishop and adds:
It is not to our credit that we remain self-contained in the possession of the truth . . . Many Catholics are shy or diffident in talking about their religion, and one might sometimes be excused for thinking that they consider it a matter of little interest or importance . . neither do most of us make up for this failure by the fervour of our prayers . . ."
Priests of the Salford diocese will shortly be speaking about the work of the three-year-old Catholic Enquiry Centre. " I urge you most earnestly to take a great interest in this work," writes the Bishop. " Already about 50,000 nonCatholics have asked for information . . . about 2,000 have been received into the Church and many thousands more are now receiving instruction from Catholic priests.
" The work .of the Catholic Enquiry Centre is helping to break down prejudice and misunderstanding. Through its Promoters Scheme it gives Catholics the opportunity to carry out their duty towards non-Catholics . . . the charity which you show in prayer and in action towards those who are not of the Catholic Faith will bring the blessing of God on your homes and families."