MEXICAN CATHOLICS

Shannon News, 31 August 1926, Page 4

MEXICAN CATHOLICS

PLAN ECONOiMIC WAR EPISCOPACY BACKS FIGHT. MEXICO CITY July 1.7. A compaign of economic ahd social pressure, by means of which .it is hoped to force the Government to revoke its religious regulations, will be launched throughout Mexico by the National League for the Defence of Religious Liberty. The Catholics hope that, when business begins to feel the pinch of the economic boycott which they propose to establish, the commercial interests of the country ■frill force the Government' to abolish the religious restrictions. The compaign will start on -July 31. the date oh which the recent decree of President Calles confiscating Church property, forbidding religious education in the schools and order, ing the dissolution of religious orders comes into effect. The Catholics also believe that the pressure they intend to exert on commerce will, through lessened revenue, cause the Government to realise that the Catholics are very strong and that their demands must be met. Bishops Support Plan Accompanying, the circular urging the inauguration of the campaign is a letter from the Most Kbv. Mora del Rio, Archhishop of Mexico City, and the Bishop of Tabasco, recommending that Catholics co-operate whole- . heartedly in the plan. In view of J the fact that the Archbishop signed I this letter his arrest is momentarily ’6Xp6Ct6d*' In announcing its programme, the league declares: — ' Church is now living under a state oppression. This de monstration will show what lovers of civil liberty can do. It will mean not only acting against certain hostile elements, but creating a grave general situation, paralysing, when possible the social and economic Me of the country. “With this object ih view, vya offer general ideas on the campaign which can be Changed in different localities according to conditions. No loealty should lose sight of the fact that this means drastic action in the exercise of a legitimate defence. Between inaction and armed action there remains only civil action such as we) are taking.” _ Boycott Measures Proposed The league programme calls on all Mexicans “who love liberty to adopt the boycott as a measure of defence.” The programme continues: “The Boycott seeks to produce a complete paralysis of social and economic life through the following means: — ■ . . «A —by refraining from advertising in all papers that oppose or that will not ’help this programe. Silence will be regarded ais unwillingness to help. The press of Mexico City 'will not'be preceeded against until ’"he league specially decides on wTu*t Means are to be used. “B—By refraining from purchasing things .that are not absolutely -necessary fey daily life and by eliminating fruits, candles, ice creams and even articles of prime necessity when possible. , “C—By refraining from using coaches and, when necessary, by us. , ing only the cheapest. “D —By refraining from attending dances, ' public and private, theatres, moving pictures and outings. “E—By limiting the use of electricity. v - “P- —By refraining from purchasing lottery tickets. “G—By refraining from attending day schools.” Called Life and Death Struggle. The league .programme adds that the list by no means limits the varieties of effective pressure. All per. sons who love religious liberty, it says should help in the campaign accordingly as opportunities to aid present themselves in the various districts. “We will intensify action against the interests, persons and groups opposing liberty.” The document con. eludes. “These energetic proceed- ■ ings should not cause scruples nor fear, because it is a life and death battle being waged against the Catholic Church in Mexico.” Catholic women plan to boycott all social functions as a protest against President Calles’s .recent religious decree. Prominent society leaders yes. terdav agreed that they would not attend any social functions or entertain in their own homes. They also decided to limit . their purchases in stores to the most necessary articles and to forego all luxuries. Catholic women throughout the republic are expected to adopt similar measures. Cliurchtes Searched in Puebla. The entrance of armed police into Catholic churches in the City of Puebla has caused a great sensation among Catholics. The police wore searching for foreign priests; but none was found. Six Catholic schools here, Tere. siano, El Hospitalito, Escuelas Pias, Asilo, Catholic College and La Misericordia, have been closed. The students were forced to abandon, the buildings. They took furniture and deslcsß'with them. Catholics in Puebla are. deeply aroused over the searching of the churches and the closing of the schools.