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Salient. An Organ of Student Opinion at Victoria College, Wellington, N.Z. Vol. 13, No. 22. September 21, 1950

Infallibility?

Infallibility?

Sir,—Canon Raven spoiled an otherwise outstanding address when referring to the Catholic doctrine on the Infallibility of the Pope he is reported as saying: "none of us who have received a liberal education could believe that human beings could measure up to the standard of infallibility."

When Catholics speak of the Infallibility of the Pope, they mean that he is infallible in matters only concerning faith and morals. He gives his decision only after considerable research, discussion and argument by Cardinals, Bishops and learned scholars. Surely people who believe in the omnipotence of God would not deny Him the power of appointing a representative on earth and the power to vest this representative with the power to safeguard His teachings and His Church. It is a pity that Christians will not realise that it is essential to any society to have an authoritative head. Canon Raven would be first to admit that it is lack of allegiance to authority that has shattered the unity of Christians. It is mainly due to the doctrine of Infallibility that the Catholic Church has and will remain united when other churches have suffered internal strife.

Also, when Canon Raven maintained liberal education and belief in infallibility is he wishing to imply that those who believe in infallibility have not had a liberal education, or is he merely remarking on the shortcomings of a liberal education?

—B.J.W.