2. A Complex Problem

The behavior of the Communist authorities in the aforementioned countries having been modified to a certain extent, the Church in these countries now finds two paths open:

a) to abandon the underground and catacomb-­like existence it has led up till now behind the Iron Curtain, and to come out to live in the open, co­existing with the Communist regime in accordance with a tacit "modus vivendi";

b) or to reject any "modus vivendi," whatever, continuing to lead an underground existence.

The choice between these two paths is a very complex tactical problem which is posed at this mo­ment for the consciences of a great number of Cath­olics.

We say "for the consciences" because the deci­sion at this crossroad depends on the solution one gives to the following moral problem: Is it licit for Catholics to accept a "modus vivendi" with a Com­munist regime? It is this problem which as we said, the present article intends to take up.