The Risc of Ecclesiastical Control in Quebec. By W. A.
Riddell. (New York : Columbia University. London : Longmans and Co. 7s. Bd. net.)—This valuable essay by a Canadian Presbyterian on the history of the Roman Catholic Church in Quebec shows clearly that the Church owes its present monopoly of power in great part to the policy of the British Government. Under the French rule the clergy wore kept under strict control. When Canada was ceded to us, the French officials, professional men, and merchants returned to France. The " habitants " could only look for leadership to their priests. Again, French clergy were thenceforward not allowed to enter Canada. The Church fell under the control of Canadian- born priests, mostly of humble origin, who, like the Irish Roman Catholic clergy of to-day, were noted for their intense conservatism and narrowness of outlook. The Canadian Bishops were not only grateful for the Quebec Act, which -secured the right of the Church to its tithes ; they looked upon the New England Protestants with horror, and did their utmost to keep Quebec loyal to its new masters during the American War, for fear lest it should be submerged by a Protestant flood from the Colonies. The loyalty of the clergy confirmed the Government's belief in the policy of according them every consideration. The parallel and contrast with Ireland aro obvious. In Quebec the clergy have withdrawn their opposition to Conscription. In Ireland tho Roman Catholic clergy have definitely set themselves against the State which has, in the past, done so much for them.
Previous page
