WITH his special Mass at the Vatican today, Pope John Paul II has set out to do what none of his 262 predecessors felt called to do: apologize for historical transgressions committed by Roman Catholics in the name of the church.
In so doing, John Paul -- whose pontificate has been remarkable in many ways, from his globe-circling pastoral travels, to his support for democratic change in Eastern Europe -- is acknowledging the grim side of the church's past, in eras distinguished by forced conversions, support for the Crusades (whose violence fell on Jews, Muslims and Eastern Orthodox), and creation of the Inquisition.
No one can deny that his statement of mea culpa will be a significant event in the life of the church, as it may also be for the descendants of those who fell victim to its persecution. But the pope's apology should also be viewed within its theological context -- it will, after all, take place during a Mass and is fully in keeping with the Christian belief that repentance of misdeeds is necessary to future service to God. ''Forgive us our trespasses,'' asks the prayer that, according to the Gospels, Jesus taught his disciples. Photo ------ Read more - By GUSTAV NIEBUHR - The New York Times
Related links:
Pope To Make Mea Culpa – March 2000, CBS News – read more
Catholics Divided by Vatican's Mea Culpa - March 2000 – Time – read more
Vatican Science Panel Told By Pope: Galileo Was Right – The New York Times – November 1, 1992 – read more
Pope John Paul II -- No Irreconcilable Differences between Science and Religion – Read more
“…for the Catholic Church to complain that they are being victimized is just laughable.” Pope Benedict's Gang -- Too Big to Fail? – by Rick Ayers – The Huffington Post – Read more
“Someday, maybe, there will exist a well-informed, well considered and yet fervent public conviction that the most deadly of all possible sins is the mutilation of a child’s spirit.” Erik Erikson
Kids Are Being Hurt!!!
…whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him to have a heavy millstone hung around his neck, and to be drowned in the depth of the sea. Matthew 18:6
Happy Easter! *** Sad Easter! - Benedict XVI - Cover-ups – Defense Orchestration – Kids Are Being !!! - read more
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