Writing to a public figure whose ideas on religious liberty he did not agree with, Eugene said:<\/p>\n
\nI am sorry that the indiscretion of certain of our missionaries has led you to believe that I am one of your fiercest antagonists to be found in the ranks of your fellow Catholics.<\/strong><\/h5>\n
I very definitely am not an enemy of any fellow Catholic. I agree that there are some whose political doctrines I do not share, but in all else I revere them most deeply and defend their good name with every bit as much zeal, and perhaps with more success than the staunchest supporters of their system.<\/strong><\/h5>\n
However, I do not hide that my respect and affection for their person could never shake or unsettle my principles which spring from a simple faith; for these principles compel me to look upon the authority of the Head of the Church as my guide and the guide of my religious family, independently of any doctrinal decision or any solemn decree ex cathedra, <\/em>etc. … Possibly, that is being too orthodox for times like these, but what one may say or think of my orthodoxy does not disturb me<\/strong><\/h5>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Letter to Count de Montalembert, 24 October 1831, EO XIII n 78<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Writing to a public figure whose ideas on religious liberty he did not agree with, Eugene said: I am sorry that the indiscretion of certain of our missionaries has led you to believe that I am one of your fiercest … Continue reading