The Conference of French Bishops has come to an end
without so far any good results. They have issued a reply to the Papal Encyclical which satisfies the Vatican, but is no more than a formal tribute. Apparently their delibera- tions were chiefly concerned with the difficult question of the financial position of the Church 'in France. It is all very well to be heroic, but no organisation can continue without funds, and it seems to be generally recognised that funds will not be forthcoming from voluntary contributions in France and elsewhere. The Bishops are resolved not to accept the Separation Law, and the question for them is what alternative can be found which the Pope has not con- demned, and which will make it possible to organise legally public worship. Failing this, they must give up the churches or pay rent for them. How this problem has been met does not yet appear ; but meantime the Government have shown their good intentions by accepting a measure which does away, so far as concerns the clergy, with the formal notification required by the law of 1881 as to public meetings. This will legalise the position of the priests who have not given formal notice, and save for them the temporary subsidies. The question of the buildings, however, still remains, and we await with interest the pronouncement of the Bishops' Conference.
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