Lay Initiative and Peace

MR. Howland Shaw, the Assistant Secretary of State in the U.S.A., who is also the president of the N tionai Association of Catholic Charities, has been vigorously pleading for ", more power of initiative among the laity." He has stated that the present position owing to historical causes makes " an unreasonable demand upon
clerical leadership," I he urges that the young Catholic men and women should organise themselves under their own leadership " for the purpose of effectively representing the Catholic rie:nt of view in all phases of American life."
Our readers will recognise that this plea from one of the foremost American Catholic citizens coincides very exactly with what we have been urging in these columns for a very long time.
The time has come—indeed it is overdue—when the Catholic outlook on political, social and cultural affairs must be expressed by the body of soundly-led Catholic citizens acting within their rights as citizens, as loyal as any of their fellows, but possessing a very definite and very constructive outlook on the values of a sound society. In the contemporary secularist world there can be no substitute for this secular and civic expression of the Catholic mind.
Initiative for a Papal Peace
'Among the multitude of urgent activities awaiting Catholic lay effort and leadership is one that is rarely mentioned and about which practically nothing is done.
We refer to the implementing through political and social channels, both in this country and internationally, of the Pope's basic conditions for a just peace.
The Holy Father has spoken time and again and with an almost bitter urgency. The late Cardinal, co-operating with other religious leaders, responded to this appeal.
Catholic newspapers and some Catholic societies have continued to give all the publicity possible. But has anything been done to mobilise politically (we use the word in its wider sense) the will of the Catholic people here and abroad in such a way that what the Pope appeals for is translated into practical action? So far as we know, nothing. And this is a case where effective and practical Catholic lay, leadership would be suppofted by millions upon millions who arc not Catholic nor even Christian.
The dangers are patent and this week the American Bishops themselves took the unusual (because easily misunderstood) step of expressing certain reservations on the results of the Moscow Conference.
Plan of Action
The problem is not difficult to handle. We may take it that there is virtual unanimity among Catholics themselves in support of the Papal lead. The expression of that lead can be taken from the Holy Father's own pronouncements and suitably summarised in a short statement.
In this country such a statement could be made a matter of urgent business by every Catholic society and body and brought to the notice of every single Catholic man and woman through the parishes and the chaplains. Suitable political and social action for every Catholic citizen could be suggested and urged. Invitations for co-operating could be made to other religious and non-religious bodies.
Internationally, suitable Catholic societies in other countries could be communicated with so that parallel action might there be taken. Preparations at least could be made for the election of an international committee Which would meet at the earliest possible moment after the signing of an armistice.
And the net result would be all the difference between the mere expression of an appeal and hope, even though made by the Holy Father himself, and the concrete implementing of His Holiness's lead by many millions of Catholics organised together across the face of the globe and determined not to allow the supremely vital peace to be made without their having a hand in it.
As with the Schools question we shall probably be tearing ofir hair when we watch impotently the course of world history being wrongly moulded, By taking action and making our preparations now Are could at least ensure that everything that can be done will be done to prevent the disaster against which the Pope constantly warns us.