"Galileo was summoned to appear before the grand inquisition in Rome and was advised, on the penalty of imprisonment, to assert that he did not believe in the Copernican doctrine and that he would abide by the teachings of the church. He promised to obey. Later he yielded to the urgings of the truth that was within him and published his ideas. He was again summoned by the inquisition to appear at Rome. On his knees he was forced to abjure the doctrine that the earth moves. "Bruno, an Italian philosopher, was burned at the stake at Rome by the Catholic church because his philosophy was declared by the church to be heresy." "Reverend Benton, that is all true, but that was many years ago. The Catholic Church has changed. It does not now teach that the sun revolves around the earth." "No, the Catholic Church does not teach that now, but it does teach that the pope is infallible in all matters of faith." "Yes, the pope is infallible in all matters of faith." "Then if a scientist makes a discovery that the pope thinks is in conflict with his interpretation of the scriptures, it would be the duty of the Catholic Church to oppose that scientific discovery and for any Catholic to believe it would be heresy." "Yes." "Isn't that placing the human mind in chains?" "No, because the pope is infallible. His statement would be correct." "But popes who were thought to be infallible taught that the earth was the center of the universe and the stars were spiritual lights." "But, Reverend, that was long ago and the popes do not teach that now." "Then there have been popes who were not infallible or the popes now are not." "Your argument would make it appear so. While there may have been a time when the Catholic Church opposed scientific discoveries it is now highly in favor of education." "Mr. Agnew, what system of education does the Catholic Church favor?" "We support the public school." "I know you do in this country; you are taxed to support it." "I believe in the public school system. I educated my children in the public schools, and two of my daughters are teachers in the public schools." "I do not doubt that you do believe in the value of the public schools, and undoubtedly there are many other Catholics who think as you do, but what system of education does your church as a church encourage?" "The Catholic Church favors parochial schools." "Then if the Catholic Church could control America we would have parochial schools as the only means of promoting general education." "I don't think so--in America. I think the church would continue the public school here if she had the power to dictate the system of education in this country." "Would I be warranted in assuming that what the leaders of your church say is the policy of the church?" "Yes, if the leaders you refer to are officially recognized by the church."