ROTARY PROHIBITION

Sue-With reference to the reported decree of thc Holy Office on the question of membership of Rotary. how does this affect membership of Inver Wheel Clubs ? These clubs are for the. wives and widows of Rotarians; their aims are similar-mutual friendship amongst members. and service to the community. For instance, the club to which I belong gives assistance in the matter of running the local Old Folks Club. outings and entertainment for the Children's Home, etc. There is nothing secret or subversive about these clubs; friends of members are welcome at the clubs' meetings and talks are given on a wide range of subjects by people, most of whom are not members of the Rotary or Inner Wheel organisa tions. The clubs do not sponsor any particular political party or religious group, but they are Christian in outlook and, in my own know
ledge and experience, antiC o mm un i St.
I should have thought that membership of such a club came under the heading of Catholic action. In all honesty I would submit that membership of Rotary and of the Inner Wheel hold far less potential danger to Faith, if not to morals, than membership of some British Trade Unions ! If membership of such an organisation as the Inner Wheel Clubs is to Sc officially frowned upon. then what will be the eventual position of Catholics who belong, as so many do. to bodies such as the Women's Institute. the British I.egion. etc. ?
While it would seem that the laity are not so far actually banned trent membership of Rotary, the wording of the decree places them in a very invidious position; in all fairness. I would humbly submit, the matter calls for greater clarification by the Holy Office and that without too great a delay, If something seriously detrimental to Rotary and, by implication, to the Inner Wheel Clubs is known, then I think that such information should he made public; otherwise it might appear that these worthy organisationsare condemned without being given the opportunity to defend themselvea.
E. M. NEW SAN (Mrs.).
12 Kimberley Road. North Walsham, Norfolk.