By every standard of measurement, the eye-catching aspect of preparations for the coming Second Vatican Council continues to be that having to do with possible steps toward Christian unity. The procession of distinguished churchmen of various denominations who have paid courtesy calls at the Vatican in recent months has further focused attention on what might be called the external or long-range objective of the council. Despite repeated reminders by Pope John that the first task will be to deal with internal renewal and to strive to adapt the organization and structure of the Church to the changing conditions of the modern world, the headlines still ignore such issues.

Perhaps all this is inevitable, since details about organizational problems posed by population shifts, the mobility of labor forces and the like seem to offer less suitable material for mass presentation. The fact remains, however, that these are matters of gravest concern for the welfare of the Church and of souls. Continue reading →