So far, the second session of the Vatican Council has dealt with schemata (agenda items) that have been of primary interest to Roman Catholics. This week the prelates are taking up an issue of profound interest to millions outside the church—the relationship of Catholicism to other faiths.
Two chapters in the schema on ecumenism stand out particularly as landmarks in the history of the 20th century church. One, which faces bitter opposition from Italian and Spanish conservatives at the council, declares that every man has the right to worship as his conscience dictates, and that all men, as well as...