Page:The Czechoslovak Review, vol4, 1920.pdf/98

Yesterday morning, January 8, there was held at the National House in Smíchov a convention of the Reformist clergy, attended by large number of priests. The meeting was called to order by the chairman of the “Club of Reformist Clergy” Dr. Farský; he welcomed minister Staněk and representatives of the press. He re-called that for the first time in history the public was admitted to the deliberations of the clergy.

Minister Staněk greeted the assembled clergymen in hearty words. He said that there always existed in the Czech nation a keen desire for moral purity, faith and liberty of conscience. The present movement of the clergy is an important element in making the nation free and independent; perhaps it does not intend to change the fundamental truths of religion (cries No), but desires through Czech liturgy to gain over the people, so that the truths of religion should be more readily accessible to it, wants to strengthen the people in the principles of Christianity. The minister says emphatically that he is in agreement with this reforming movement and stands back of it, not as cabinet minister, but as a Czech farmer. (Loud applause).

After response had been made by Father Zahradník-Brodský, Dr. Farský, Zahradník-Brodský and rector Holba were elected chairman and vice-chairmen of the meeting.

Dr. Farský then made his report as secretary. He described at length the persecution on the part of the Church, suspension of priests who had married, and mentioned the pastoral letter against Czech language in the services of the Church. It is the duty of the Reformist clergy to seek the truth and make it prevail in the life of the nation.

Legal relation of the priest to Church was the subject of a report by Dr. Choc who emphasized that a priest who marries is merely exercising his rights of citizen. Father Zahradník-Brodský talked about the episcopate, mentioned that the hierarchy again makes combinations with the old, nobility, and that must be repulsive to a Czech-feeling priest.

The debate was further participated in by Father Stibor who emphasized the necessity for practical carrying out of reforms, by Father Holba, vicepresident of the Clergymen’s Union of Moravia which has the same aims as the Club of Reformist clergy, and professor of religion Ševčík of Ml. Boleslav who pointed out that reforms can be carried out only with the help of the people. The convention then adjourned until the afternoon.

In the afternoon session Dr. Farský denied the statement of Father Kolář of Wisconsin, member of the American mission, that separation of the Bohemian Church from Rome would have bad effects on Czechs both here and in America. Amidst stormy applause Father Dlouhý-Pokorný called for separation and condemned the behavior of the educated classes which talk about Rome as enemy and yet do not leave the Catholic Church. Now they have an opportunity to make good their stand. With reference to the material condition of the clergy, Dr. Farský stated that it would be necessary to protect it by a special law to be passed by the National Assembly. Father Zahradník-Brodský called on the clergymen present to be active among the people in the promotion of religion. Father Procházka then moved that a vote be taken on the establishment of a Czech National Church.

For the formation of a Czech National Church 140 votes were cast, against 65; 5 did not vote. When the result of the vote was announced, the assembly broke into long applause, and then all present sang the national hymns “Kde Domov Můj” (Czech), “Nad Tatrou se blýská” (Slovak), and “Svatý Václave” (old church hymn to St. Václav, patron saint of Bohemia.)

Father Janout moved that an appeal be made to the nation to join the new church; it was approved. A sketch of the constitution of the Czech National Church was also unanimously adopted. The church receives the name of “Církev československá” (The Czechoslovak Church) and takes over temporarily the existing rules of the Catholic Church with this difference that freedom of conscience is introduced, together with the use of Czech in the services.

The church administrative consists of 12 persons of which 6 are clergymen and 6 laymen; this body is to carry out the organization of the Church. The clerical members are: Dr. Farský, Zahradník-Brodský, Dr. Smrček, Dlouhý-Pokorný, Hofer and Otakar Tichý; the six lay members will be selected by the clerical members.

After hopes had been expressed that the activity of the Czechoslovak Church would bring many blessings to the nation, Dr. Stěhule as representative of the Evangelical Church gave a hearty welcome to the new Czechoslovak Church and declared that all the press organs of the Evangelical Church were open to the new body and that the press will support the movement with all its strength. Chairman Dr. Farský accepted this assurance with thanks; he declared that the Czechoslovak Church did not intend to carry new controversies into the nation and did not wish to fight with the Catholic Church. That closed the convention of the Reformist clergy.