Show I POSITION OF TEE CHURCH I Priests Must Look to Their Parishioners I Parish-ioners For Support I Havana Jan 1tThe bishop of Havana Ha-vana recognizing that under American Ameri-can military rule the church cannot be I supported out of the public revenues I issued a circular letter today to the II chiefs of the different parishes directing direct-ing that the church hereafter be maintained I main-tained by private contributions The I I I church is rich in Havana and poor in other parts of the island The religious orders especially those occupying the convents are wealthy but the parishes in the interior are poor The bishop alluded in his circular to the political revolution and the I changes in the position of the church and the priests who have no one to I I help them except members of the I church Therefore he said the priests must impress upon their parishioners the necessity of making contributions He also urged them to use prudence pointing out that alms are pure necessity neces-sity and not to insist upon too much or unduly press the parishioners The bishop appreciates the generosity of I the Cuban people understands their poverty and suggests that the priests address themselves first to the wealthy He also suggests renting seats in the I churches at 3 10 and 15 cents and the establishment of boxes for voluntary contributions The bishop further advises ad-vises the appointment of parish collectors i col-lectors The Catholic clergy foreseeing for I months past the coming position of the church has adapted itself to the present pres-ent conditions The bishop has not I asked General Brooke to aid the church or to maintain the former system sys-tem Finally the bishop of Havana announces that an apostolic delegate is expected here The municipal government takts possession pos-session of the offices and records and assumes authority noon today |