Atlanta Daily World

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - (NC) - Bishop Albert L. Fletcher of Little Rock declared this week is "especially urgent" that Catholic Negro children "be admitted to any Catholic school available in places where there is no Catholic school especially for them."

He said in an official announcement that it should be constantly remembered by Catholics that the goal of the Church in the diocese will be that "no Catholic student is refused admission to a Catholic school on account of race or color."

Bishop Fletcher's diocese consists of the whole State of Arkansas.

In his letter to the clergy, Religious and laity of his See, the Bishop recalled that since Catholic schools are private institutions, they are not subject to the Supreme Court decision of last May.

IS TAKEN IDEA

"This being the case," he said, "some people have thought that Catholic schools will choose to continue the practice of racial segregation.

"This is a mistaken idea. It is contrary to the traditional practice of the Church . . . In places where segregation is enforced by law or custom, the Church simply does the best she can by trying to provide separate churches and schools for the different races."

Bishop Fletcher, a native of Little Rock, then went on to say:

"But now the highest civil court in the land has judged segregation in public schools to be unconstitutional. This decision clears the way legally for the Church to act more freely in giving to all races the same benefits she is able to provide for the practice of their holy religion.

"It is especially urgent that Catholic Negro Children be admitted to any Catholic school available in places where there is no Catholic school especially for them.

"Hence every reasonable effort should be made by the pastor and people to make it possible for these children to attend a Catholic school of the place

In concluding, he said:

EQUALITY TO ALL

"As you will notice from the contents of this letter, there is nothing to get excited about. I am merely outlining what has been the constant teaching of the Church and I am asking your cooperation is working earnestly to take advantage of the opportunity given us by the recent Supreme Court decision to make available equally to all races the benefits which the church is able to provide for the salvation of immortal souls.

"Finally, let me remind some Catholics that persons of every race, creed and nation should be made to feel at home in every Catholic church. Every Catholic church is God's house, not only because it is dedicated to Him; not only because we pray and sing there is His honor; not even because we hear His gospel preached there.

Every Catholic church is God's house in a more personal way-it is where He dwells, body and soul in the Blessed Sacrament. He is the Host-we are His guests.

All are His, not our, invited guests. Anyone who is good enough for Him to invite, certainly ought to be good enough for us to accept. His Church, you know, is Catholic."