The periodical recurrence of organized movements intended to effect a change in the legal position in regard to divorce in this country, apart from its positive effect in stimulating resistance, has a reflective interest for Catholics. The movements themselves indicate a state of mind in those taking part in them, but they also throw a very interesting light on the social mentality in which they function, and against which they attempt a reaction. It would be a pity if our absorption in the conflict itself should lead us to overlook something of this background against which it is staged. For the major significance of each successive attempt to weaken the basis of our Christian morality is the fact that it is a reaction, attempted by the advocates of change, and originating with them, and is not the expression of any wider movement of thought or conduct among the people.

The question of divorce is only one phase of a conflict in which the issue is now joined over a wide area. If it should be true that the demand for easier divorce, and for the extension of facilities for divorce, is really only a phenomenon which draws attention to a widespread moral collapse that is already effected, then the Catholic Church in its effort for the conversion of England is working against the tide. But if, on the other hand, this demand is artificial, if it is not a tendency, if it is not a straw floating gently on the surface under the propulsion of some swift undercurrent, but merely the illusion of movement which a fitful gust will create on still, deep water, then the Church is working under conditions in which success may well be startling not only in its coming but also in its extent.