September 1: Right Reasoning

Welcome to the American Catholic Daily Reader podcast. Today is September 1st, and our story is Right Reasoning. In 1894, everything was coming up roses for the American Protective Association, APA. Founded only seven years earlier, the rabidly anti-Catholic political organization boasted 2.5 million members by 1894 and, with a hefty campaign war chest, expected major victories at the polls in November.

Catholics, meanwhile, weren't sure how to respond. Some, within the American Episcopal hierarchy, urged their flocks to ignore the APA's rhetoric, not wanting to legitimize the group by disputing its baseless assertions. Others, such as the first bishop of the Diocese of Peoria, John Spalding, took a different tack.

As a poet, historian, prolific author, editor of the Baltimore Catechism, and one of the chief founders of the Catholic University of America, Bishop Spalding had powerful friends in the publishing world. With the help of those friends, he convinced the prestigious journal North American Review to run his essay rebutting the APA's claims. He was sure that sound reasoning would bring the American electorate. To its senses.

The essay, which ran in the September 1, 1894 issue, reminded America that Catholics founded one of the thirteen colonies and were the first in the new world, the first indeed in all the world, to make freedom of conscience an organic part of the constitution of the state. Their action marks an era in the progress of mankind.

When the hour came to break the bond which united the colonies to England, and which had become a fetter, none more generously than the Catholics hearkened to the trumpet call. And in the darkest days of the struggle, Catholics from Europe mingled their blood on our battlefields with that of our fathers. If long tenure, if fidelity, if honorable deeds have ought of efficacy, Catholics have the right to be here, nor has this right ever become forfeit by them. It was an intelligent and stirring defense, but unfortunately, not stirring enough to prevent nearly 100 APA-backed candidates from winning seats in the U.S.

House of Representatives two months later. Standing up for truth, even when the odds seem stacked against us, honors both faith and civic responsibility. Identify a false claim, stereotype, or misconception you encounter this week. Respond with clarity and respect, using facts and reason to uphold the truth.

Thank you for listening to the American Catholic Daily Reader podcast. Join us tomorrow, September 2nd, for another story of faith and courage in America.