Is Rome Changing?

In the editorial of the June, 1966, Ministry there appeared these words: "Never in our most enthusi­astic moments did we expect to hear such clear and forthright statements on religious liberty from Rome. But here they are, an indication of the tremendous changes in Roman Catholic circles."

While agreeing with the view stated, that there is a new climate of dialog in which Seventh-day Adventists have an opportunity to share their faith and present their beliefs, I cannot agree that Rome is changing so radically as is implied in the edi­torial. I believe it would be much more accurate to say that Rome is displaying that characteristic often seen throughout her history, that is, adapt­ability to the world situation.

Because we live in an age of free thinking it is to be expected that Rome also wishes to be thought of as a church allowing this privilege to her members and those of other churches. How­ever, the church of Rome has only one aim—and that is world domination someday. Not only has she not changed that aim but she has also held onto the belief that she is the one true church outside of which there is no salvation. This latter position was re-affirmed by John Court­ney Murray, whose words are quoted in the June editorial, at a press conference in Rome at the time of Vatican H. This belief that the Roman Catholic Church is the one way of salvation was noted by the writer of the Time essay of December 17, 1965, "How Vatican II Turned the Church Toward the World." Note the following:

"Several other documents are clouded by de­fensive, cautionary phrasing. The noble declara­tion On Religious Liberty, for example, insists that all men have a duty to embrace Catholicism once they recognize its truthful claims."

In the same essay the following words were quoted from San Antonio Auxiliary Bishop Stephen Leven:

"The council has been like a beautiful wed­ding ceremony, but what counts is how the mar