Following is a statement from Archbishop Paul J. Hallinan on the “Dutch Catechism:”

“A book was born out of the promises and problems of the modern world. Its name-A NEW CATECHISM: CATHOLIC FAITH FOR ADULTS. Its friends call it a warmly human document; it is deeply Christian; it is thoroughly in the spirit of Vatican II. Its critics have set it in a context of doubts and denials.

In the United States, permission to sell it has been withdrawn from Catholic bookstores in some diocese.

“In my column (Georgia Bulletin, Oct. 5. 1967) Archbishop’s Notebook, I welcomed the book, hope that our best minds would give us many more books of this kind. I added that “there are weak points” in the Cathechism as favorable critics like Father Bernard Cooke, S.J., had noted. But I added that the Dutch Catechism was an excellent guide.

“Closer study of the book has not changed my mind. But since these comments have been taken by some as an endorsement, I want to qualify a few points. Adult Catholics will understand them, I am sure.

“The section on marriage is full of noble and provocative thoughts on the family as the cell of love, marriage in the Old and New Testaments, a sacrament, fruitful love, family planning. Although the spirit of the Catechism arises from that of Vatican II, it is unfortunate that it omits these key words form the Council about contraception:

“Parents should ultimately make their judgement, in the sight of God…they must always be governed by a conscience dutifully conformed to the diving law itself, and should be submissive toward the Church’s teaching office which authentically interprets that law in the light of the gospel.”

“Questions of masturbation and homosexuality are examined in the light of modern psychology and the allied sciences. On divorce, there is insistence on marriage being indissoluble, but the catechism argues that we cannot immediately refuse the practical possibilities of redemption. Father Cook predicts that this section “should be questioned, and will be questioned”. But if today’s questions and answers are disturbing, so is the situation itself, as Cook adds.

“Some teachings are slighted, but never denied; e.g., Mary’s perpetual virginity and indulgences. Conferences are now going on to clarify these passages. Future editions, I am sure, will change any errors or misleading parts.

“No publications except that of the Scriptures, can claim to teach all we must believe, without error. Even the Bible needs the guidance of the Church as well as careful research in history and language for mature understanding.

“I am convinced that today’s educated, responsible Catholic reads a book like ‘A New Catechism’ with care. My concern is that many Catholics are not reading today’s books of the Catholic renewal at all.

“It is in this spirit that I recommend the book. Many who are mature will read it with profit. Many whose faith is wavering will be warmed and cheered by it. And of course, many who are untroubled by any questions will not read it at all.