CHURCH AND ROTARY

Sta.—Father Christie, Si., in his letter in your issue of December 20, after referring to the Church's condemnation of Freemasonry, says: " The same spirit of indifferentism characterises the benevolent activities of the Rotary and Toe H, and that is why Catholics may not belong to these societies." I think he is wrong with regard to Rotary (I do not know the position regarding Toe H). In my last letter I think I made it clear that the Church has prohibited priests from becoming members of Rotary or attending its meetings. I have never heard it suggested that Rotary has been banned
so far as the laity are concerned. •
"Anglicanus," I think, lacks a sense of humour. He says that my statement, " The Masonic origin of Rotary, its proved hostility to the Church and its moral code, which in almost every particular resembles that of Freemasonry, " is " as incorrect as many of the aspersions cast against the Holy Father over the present war." The statement to which he takes exception is from an authorised article in the Osservatore Romano in explanation of Rotary, so far as the clergy are concerned. The idea of the Osservatore Romano, the semi-official organ of the Hol See, making incorrect statements regarding the Holy Father is certainly Gilbertianl
CATHOLICUS.
Dublin.