Universal Church: catechetical issues.

A British lay group, Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice, has written an open letter to their bishops imploring them to ensure that false doctrine is not taught in Catholic shcools. The letter referred to "the consistent failure of so many Catholic schools to teach the truths of the faith effectively to their pupils." They also pointed to the controversy with Bishop Peter Smith as an example. (Editor: see "England" below.) The group listed other widely used text-books which ignored or downplayed important doctrines.

In the United States, an ad hoc commitee of seven bishops has won praise from catechetical experts, religious educators, and publishers of texts for conducting a comprehensive review of U.S. catechetical materials to ensure that they conform to the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Professor Barbara Morgan, director of catechetics at the Franciscan University in Steubenville described the committee as "a tremendous blessing to the U.S. catechetical scene and another key piece in the renewal of catechetics in this country."

Recently the Vatican brought out a new General Directory for Catechesis, revising the 1971 edition. It is the result of widespread consulation with Bishops and catechetical institutes and centers. Available in Canada from the CCCB via Catholic bookstores. Price $19.95.