In this issue of the Magazine we publish a protest from our Church’s Western Presbytery against the action of Her Majesty the Queen in contributing to the rebuilding of a Roman Catholic Cathedral at Southwark, and also extracts from the English Churchman Magazine on the same subject. Since this uncalled for support in the behalf of the Roman Catholic Church has been made public throughout the nation, there has been considerable and well grounded grief and displeasure among sincere Protestants all over the land with regard to such conduct on the part of the Queen. And, as usual on an issue of this nature, correspondence has appeared in the daily press, and some of it has been severely critical of those who dare, in this Protestant Realm, to find fault with Her Majesty. We would remind our readers in this connection that bitter criticism of faithful and out and out Protestant witness in these modern times very often comes from nominal Christians within sections of the professed Protestant Church. We know this from correspondence and experience. But such, who exercise spurious charity to those who pander to Rome and have nothing but criticism and empty advice for those who expose the Anti-Christian character and conduct of the Roman Catholic system, do so out of culpable ignorance and a profession of Christianity which is neither truly Christian nor Protestant. Of course, we need hardly say that we are cognisant of the Roman Catholic propaganda in this country, Australia and Canada, etc., which endeavours to blacken outspoken Protestant Churches or organisations, as sectarian and unchristian; and in these times, especially when the Royal Family are involved. They make themselves to appear more loyal and actuated by more genuine affection for the Queen than protesting Protestants. This is but Vatican dust thrown in the eyes of weakly and ill-informed so-called Christians. But what does the Roman Catholic Church to-day, at this present time, think of Protestants and their religion, which necessarily involves Her Majesty the Queen?
We shall herewith provide a detailed answer, yet somewhat briefly; the substance of which we do not glean from any religious periodical or Protestant magazine, but from an up-to-date and illuminating report in the Scottish daily paper, The Glasgow Bulletin, of 31st July, 1954.
This report gives an account of a new attack launched against Protestantism by Cardinal Pedro Segura, of the Roman Catholic Church, Seville, Spain, on 30th July, 1954. He attacked what he described as “the very alarming proportions which Protestant propaganda has acquired recently in Spain.” This man is noted for his campaigns against Protestantism, and in a pastoral letter to be read in all Churches under his care has revealed the real enmity of Rome to our Christian and Protestant faith.
He declares: “We find it necessary to draw attention again to Protestant propaganda which recently has acquired very alarming proportions, with a grave danger to faith and morals.” And so the religion our Queen professes and is bound to uphold is said to be “a grave danger to faith and morals,” yet a substantial sum of money is accepted by Cardinal Segura’s Church in England from the Queen, and Her Majesty donates such money to an organisation which looks upon her religion as a plague. It makes no difference that this view is expressed in Spain and not in Britain. The only qualifying remark we would make is that the Pope is supreme in Spain, and if he should become possessed of sufficient power in Britain, the open Bible, the gospel of Christ, and Christian practices would be declared here also to be a grave danger to faith and morals.
Then, again, this champion of the Pope observes, “We ask ourselves how it is possible this impertinent Protestant propaganda in Seville can be permitted, being so gravely pernicious as it is.” And now if a Protestant witness is impertinent and gravely pernicious in Spain, it is so in England, Wales, Scotland and Ulster as well, in the Roman Catholic view. And yet this is the Church and these are the men obtaining all the liberty and freedom they need to follow their superstitious and idolatrous religion throughout our nation. But what an indescribable impertinence it is for the wealthy Church of Rome to come begging for money from “pernicious” Protestants. There is indeed an unholy boldness marking the forehead of the harlot.
Further, we know without dubiety now of the dark shadow of Vatican instigated law which hangs over Protestantism in predominantly Roman Catholic countries such as Spain. For Cardinal Segura has said regarding a proposed Protestant congress in Spain, “This is positively against the law.” Of course all informed and intelligent Protestants know that such is the rule of the priest through civil governments where they have the predominance. But it helps to keep Romish tyranny in view when we read such an up-to-date pronouncement by a modern Cardinal. And so there would be no Protestant conferences permitted here either, if possible, should Rome rule in Britain.
And the Cardinal proceeds further and calls the Spanish civil powers to action against a Protestant conference in these words: “It should be forbidden and punished by our authorities.” In other words,
“persecute and fine or imprison the heretic Protestants.” Imagine Protestants giving money to such people to rebuild Cathedrals in this our Protestant and freedom loving nation!
And finally, we are given Rome’s view, as it ever has been, of the nature and character of Protestantism, and as expressed by Cardinal Segura, viz:—”Protestantism is and always will constitute heretical rebellion against the true Church.” And this is the view of all the Roman priests in Britain as well, and of the very men who seek to rebuild Southwark Roman Catholic Cathedral. To these enemies of professed religion and of Her Majesty’s Throne the Queen has given financial assistance to build up their anti-Christian system within her Protestant realm. Surely it is time for Protestants to protest indeed against the action of Her Majesty, albeit with the greatest respect and regret, when a Spanish Cardinal, in 1954, denounces that which constitutes the very foundation of Her Majesty’s Throne, and the Reformed religion of our beloved nation. “Lord, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? Who shall dwell in thy holy hill? He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart” (Ps. xv. v. 1-2).