The Faith of an English Catholic

Extract

On the paper covers of this little book we find the following:—

‘The purpose of this book is to supply an answer to the question: “What is the meaning of Anglo-Catholicism?” .... The past history of Anglo-Catholicism is described and its future prospects are estimated. Finally, an appeal is made for toleration, both of Anglo-Catholicism by the authorities of the English Church, and by Anglo-Catholics of other than themselves.’

Discussion carried on in the serene atmosphere of this little book invites the like serenity of discussion. If any words, of ours are beyond the right of trank criticism or human courtesy we wish them unsaid. But we feel that the frankness of Dr. Stone’s statement can be rewarded only by as frank a criticism.

(a) In the first place a Catholic, who, like his English forbears of fifteen centuries, is in full communion with the See of Rome, cannot fail to be struck with the title of the book. It is what it purports to be, nothing more or less than the faith of ‘an English Catholic.’ It does not speak for any group; still less for any church.