[Vanders9]

Why does that matter? Do you think that the acquisition and maintainance of earthly wealth is what the Catholic Church should be concerned with? Theft is a strong word. Particularly as the Church attained much of that wealth in some decidedly dubuious dealings. I happen to live near one of the great Monasteries of medieval England. The holy brothers expanded their holdings with all the skill of modern day monopolists. Peasants were forcibly evicted so they could develop their profitable wool industry. They had castles and maintained armies to protect their "rights".

The schism was led by greed alright. A recognition of the greed of a corrupt institution that trampled over the people it was supposed to be in pastoral care of.

[agere_contra]

Your bizarre calumnies notwithstanding, the monasteries accumulated their wealth over centuries. They accumulated it by rents, purchase and deed of gift, and as honestly as anyone on this forum.

The Benedictine vow of ‘conversion of life’ is not a vow of poverty. Even if it was, their wealth would not be an excuse for theft.

You cheer the theft of justly-acquired property on a Conservative forum - nice way to out yourself. Obama can make you his Righteous Confiscation Czar.

The Anglican Schism was an excuse to steal immense wealth. The great estates of England were built upon that act of primordial theft.