Posted on 06/04/2004 10:44:37 AM PDT by B Knotts
VATICAN CITY (AP) - In his latest blunt assessment of U.S. society, Pope John Paul II on Friday denounced the acceptance of abortion and same-sex unions as ``self-centered demands'' erroneously depicted as human rights.
The pontiff said that ``in the face of such erroneous yet pervasive thinking,'' visiting U.S. bishops should stress to congregations ``their special responsibility for evangelizing culture and promoting Christian values in society and public life.''
``Rights are at times reduced to self-centered demands: the growth of prostitution and pornography in the name of adult choice, the acceptance of abortion in the name of women's rights, the approval of same sex unions in the name of homosexual rights,'' he said.
The Catholic Church forbids abortion and considers homosexual activity a sin.
Last week, John Paul warned another group of U.S. prelates that American society is in danger of surrendering to a ``soulless vision of life.''
Greeting the latest group of bishops on the same day he held a private audience with President Bush, John Paul acknowledged the challenges to Catholic Church teaching and faith.
``Ambiguous moral positions, the distortion of reason by particular interest groups ... are just some examples of a perspective of life which fails to seek truth itself and then abandons the search for the ultimate goal and meaning of human existence,'' John Paul said.
He urged church leaders to be courageous despite detractors. ``Some today view Christianity as weighed down by structures and failing to respond to people's spiritual needs,'' he said.
Every bishop must visit the Vatican every five years for periodic consultations. This year is the turn of bishops from the United States.
Kudos to the Pope!
Well said and it places the whole agenda into a nut shell!
I was typing as you were posting! ; )
I was just trying to turn the usual "moral authority" argument around. I guess I wasn't as clever as I thought.
Well, Drudge had it as his BIG LETTER headline, and I heard it on the local radio news.
The Pope's vision is more than impressive!
It does give one a sense of a higher power IMO.
Isn't the birthrate in Italy the lowest in Europe?
Thank You John Paul
Is the US now following Europe's moral example? I thought we were the greatest Christian nation on earth...
Bump for truth
I truly believe that the Pope means the United States and our constitution are the last hope for this Satan laden world. He knows Europe is too far gone.
And this has what to do with pointing out the obvious regarding abortion and gay "marriage" in the U.S.?
There's a difference, though. Abortion and homosexual activity is contrary to Church doctrine, but war isn't. He's speaking in terms of the official doctrine of the Church on this.
My thoughts exactly.
That things are worse in his own backyard.
The entire flock is his backyard, and besides, how do you know he has not addressed the problems in Europe? It's not like we are flooded with euro centric news stories here(unless it can put the pope or the Church in a negative light).
Did he also denounce homosexual priests who "prey" on young boys?
Seriously, I welcome any words the pope can offer here. Most American bishops need to be bludgeoned with this stuff as often as possible, because their natural tendency is to ignore it.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.