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18 1 HE BULLETIN OF THE CATHOLIC LAYMEN’S ASSOCIATION OF GEORGIA THE K. OF C. OATH. (Editorial from New York Evening Sun, March 18, 1920.) The Knights of Columbus are reminded, from time to time, of the persistent purpose of certain persons to stir up religious hatreds in election years. Lately copies of the notorious “bogus fourth degree oath’’ attributed to them have been circulated in various parts of the country. This offensive production, which is about equally blasphemous and revolting, has been circulated, occasionally, for many years. It is an old and worn out imposture and among intelligent persons defeats its own ends by its own absurdity. Perhaps the best way to make clear what the obliga tion is which is assumed by the Knights of Columbus on entering the organization is to print it. Here it is: The Real Obligation Taken by the K. of C. I swear to support the Constitution of the United States. I pledge myself, as a Catholic citizen and Knight of Columbus to enlighten myself fully upon my duties as a citizen and to conscientiously perform such duties entirely in the interest of my country and re gardless of all personal consequences. I pledge myself to do all in my power to preserve the integrity and purity of the ballot, and to promote reverence and respect for law and order. I promise to practice my religion openly and consistently, but without ostenta tion, and to so conduct myself in public affairs and in the exercise of public virtue as to reflect nothing but credit upon our Holy Church, to the end that she may flourish and our country prosper to the greater honor and glory of God. If this is not a simple pledge to good Americanism and honest citizenship, what would be? THE HARM FROM IGNORANCE. We have received hundreds of letters about the at titude of the Church toward Protestant marriages. In fact, we get more letters on this one topic than all others combined. The belief that the Church teaches that non-Catholics are not married and that their children are illegitimate, is one of the things that has made most trouble for Catholicity in Georgia. Many non-Catholics actually believe the Church teaches this. And as for some, who can blame them? Take the writer of the subjoined letter ,for instance: Albany, Ga.—In reply to your inquiry will say that L too, have heard of the remarks attributed to the Catholics in reference to marriage; in fact, have had one to tell me that there were no true marriages, unless performed by a priest, and that other mar riages were a mere “sham,” and only recognized by the civil law, and not in the sight of God, and that all children were considered “illegitimate,” but though I am a Protestant that does not cause me to feel any hatred towards the Catholics, as I have quite a num ber of GOOD friends among their faith; in fact, one of the best friends is a Catholic, so why believe all you hear? All of us have a more or less fear of God, and why should one sect seek to harm the other. Difference of opinion in regards to religion does not alter facts. We all have to die and face a future that no one can tell, as far as I know. We print it here because others like it have been received. This writer is not a bigot. He wants to be friendly. He actually likes Catholics. But can any one blame him for a feeling of resentment against the Church when a Catholic actually told him “there were no true marriages unless performed by a priest?" And the worst feature about it all is that that Catholic probably believed the statement himself. There is no excuse for such ignorance. It does fearful harm. As has been said, how can we expect Protestants in Georgia to know the truth about our teaching when some of us are so ignorant about as important a sub ject as the marriage laws of the Church? In this connection we are reminded of a paragraph from a letter recently received from one of the lead ing Catholics of the state. In discussing pamphlets to be issued by the publicity department he wrote: "If a Catholic is confronted by a questioner that he prefers to have the Association answer, why not either get his questioner to write, or better still, write him self asking that the question be answered to the Protestant inquirer, and thus aid in the work of the Association and at the same time satisfy the inquirer? Many such matters that are not proper to be made the subject of a pamphlet could be handled.” Certainly, if one is not sure, he should not attempt to tell what the Church’s position or teaching is. In form yourself before you attempt to instruct or in form others, is a good precept for the layman to keep in mind. CATHOLIC GIRL WINS $500 FOR BEST ESSAY. New York.—Anna Nolan, who began her school work at St. Anselm’s School, One Hundred and Fifty- ninth Street and Tinton Avenue, and was graduated from there, taking up her high school duties at the Roosevelt High School, has just been signally honored. Of over 6,000 manuscripts received from elementary and high school students, Miss Nolan’s was selected by prominent educators and judges and awarded the $500 prize offered by The New York American for the best essay of 1,000 words on George Washington. ATTACKS ON CATHOLICS REFLECT ON MAKERS. Atlanta.—The booklets which you sent me under date of March I Oth, have been received and read with much interest. 1 was especially impressed with A Plea for Peace, Catholics in American His tory,” and “Catholir Belief.” I should be very pleased to have you send me a copy of The Faith of Our Fathers,” by Cardinal Gibbons. I am very much interested in the Catholic religion and believe it is about as good as the Prot estant religion. Not but a very few of my ancestors have been Catholics, but I am most certainly not so opposed to your belief as some people. One thing that 1 have particularly noticed. I have never heard the Protestants criticized in a Catholic