Pope John Paul II's World Day of Peace Message

http://www.vatican.va/ ^ | 12.08.01 | Pope John Paul II

[Asclepius]

In these troubled times, may the whole human family find true and lasting peace, born of the marriage of justice and mercy!

Man. He's still got it, man.

[AGAviator]

There exists therefore a right to defend oneself against terrorism, a right which, as always, must be exercised with respect for moral and legal limits in the choice of ends and means. The guilty must be correctly identified, since criminal culpability is always personal and cannot be extended to the nation, ethnic group or religion to which the terrorists may belong. International cooperation in the fight against terrorist activities must also include a courageous and resolute political, diplomatic and economic commitment to relieving situations of oppression and marginalization which facilitate the designs of terrorists. The recruitment of terrorists in fact is easier in situations where rights are trampled upon and injustices tolerated over a long period of time

[madrussian]

bump

[Sir Gawain]

12. In this whole effort, religious leaders have a weighty responsibility. The various Christian confessions, as well as the world's great religions, need to work together to eliminate the social and cultural causes of terrorism. They can do this by teaching the greatness and dignity of the human person, and by spreading a clearer sense of the oneness of the human family. This is a specific area of ecumenical and interreligious dialogue and cooperation, a pressing service which religion can offer to world peace.

In undertaking such a commitment, the various religions cannot but pursue the path of forgiveness, which opens the way to mutual understanding, respect and trust. The help that religions can give to peace and against terrorism consists precisely in their teaching forgiveness, for those who forgive and seek forgiveness know that there is a higher Truth, and that by accepting that Truth they can transcend themselves.

For all these reasons I have invited representatives of the world's religions to come to Assisi, the town of Saint Francis, on 24 January 2002, to pray for peace. In doing so we will show that genuine religious belief is an inexhaustible wellspring of mutual respect and harmony among peoples; indeed it is the chief antidote to violence and conflict. At this time of great distress, the human family needs to be reminded of our unfailing reasons for hope. It is precisely this hope that we intend to proclaim in Assisi, asking Almighty God—in the beautiful phrase attributed to Saint Francis himself—to make each of us a channel of his peace.

2 Corinthians 6

14

Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?

15

And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?

16

And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.

17

Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.

18

And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.

[BlessedBeGod]

And your point is?

[malarski]

Great leader JOHN PAUL II.

[GROUCHOTWO]

An enlightened exposition!

[CommiesOut]

No Peace Without Justice
No Justice Without Forgiveness

[grumpster-dumpster]

JP-II Bump!

[struwwelpeter]

KC bump!

[onyx]

Thanks for the link!

BTTT

[Sir Gawain]

Too bad they didn't read the message first.

I read the message. Can one disagree with the Pope without being anti-Catholic?

[Sir Gawain]

And please tell me what part of that Bible verse was anti-Catholic. Thanks.

[grumpster-dumpster]

Can one disagree with the Pope without being anti-Catholic?

Sure! Just argue the message...not the intent of those that believe it.

And you might take the time to answer BlessedBeGod's post#7 before you respond to this one.

-Peace!

[Sir Gawain]

Blessed must not have read my post. The question was answered before it was asked.

[Sir Gawain]

Sure! Just argue the message

That's what I did.