Bayley, James R., Archbishop of Baltimore, Baltimore, Maryland, to Cardinal Alexander Franchi, Prefect, Rome, Italy, 1874 May

Just before their synod they received the letter of Franchi asking certain questions concerning the public schools. In the first place, it is to be noted that the name public does not mean anti-Catholic but rather those in which religion is omitted and only secular learning taught. In their Provincial Councils and also the Second Plenary Council of Baltimore of 1866, pastors of churches were urged to erect parochial schools, since it is desirable that all Catholic children be instructed in Catholic schools. They bishops do not think that absolution is to be denied those who send their children to public schools even when there are Catholic schools where a grave reason can be drawn from existing circumstances. There is no proximate danger of perversion since Catholic and non-Catholics mix in every other phase of life. As to the particular questions: I. Catholics can be permitted to send their children to public schools because of; 1. the lack of Catholic schools in some country places and difficulties in city places. 2. Because of the superiority of public schools in some places, 3. Because in some minds the future condition of the children urges such a course. II. How can Catholic children be prevented from going to public schools? This is included in the previous question in so far as the only means is to have more Catholic schools and better Catholic teachers. The latter is a particular problem since the public schools have public funds and can pay better. Catholics have to pay for the support of the public schools as well as their own. III. That absolution should not generally be denied to parents who send their children to public schools and legislators who provide such schools. Each case must be decided on its own merits. IV. As to the efficacy of denying absolution, this action, on the contrary would cause hardness of heart and trouble with their fellow citizens. This is an unsigned letter and Archbishop John Baptist Purcell notes on the back that he sent his own letter. :: II-5-f L. Latin 3pp. 8vo.