Handout #260

Why we are deserting you

Claude-Anthime Corbon (1808-1891), a wood carver, had been editor of the journal L'Atelier, which was a Christian inspiration. On several occasions he took part in French political life. In his letter to Mgr. Dupanloup he explains why French workers are gradually being alienated from the church.

Sir, you have asked us this question: who will tell me why these people are deserting us?' We are deserting you today because for centuries you have deserted us. When I say that you have deserted us I do not mean to say that you have refused us 'the help of religion'; no, your priestly interest bade you lavish it even on us. What I mean is that for centuries you have abandoned our temporal cause and your influence has been exercised in hindering rather than in helping us to be received in society. That is the first cause of the desertion of which you are the object ... With infinite skill you have attached to yourself the material means of influence, what is called the nerve of war, i.e. riches. You have always confused your cause with that of a political party. But there was a time when, in contrast to what you are doing today, you generally confused your cause with ours and I am glad to recognize that. This was during the first part of the Middle Ages.

Since the Renaissance, teaching has changed, above all that which is addressed to the downtrodden masses. It expressly turns them away from all thought of the redemption of this world. All that it commends to them is absolute submission to the established powers - though they are to be devoted to the church. It tells them that utter resignation to their wretched lot is agreeable to God. It does its utmost to lead them to believe that the more they are resigned to being humiliated, pressurized, obliterated in this world, the more they will enjoy a happy recompense in the next ...Although modern society is not religious in your style, it is more fundamentally, more broadly Christian that inspired by Ultramontanism and Jesuitism. Without being concerned about what the other world might be, modern society does not postpone redemption to the day of the last judgment: it tries to realize it without delay as being unconditional; and that is why it is republican and democratic. Certainly it is not deserting the main liberators and those who show the compassion of the gospel.

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