Pope Benedict recently told Ontario Bishops that Canada has excluded 'God from the public sphere" with laws supporting same sex marriage and abortion. He went on to say that Canadian Catholic politicians are ignoring the values of their religion yielding to "ephemeral social trends and the spurious demands of opinoion polls" "And that, in the names of tolerance, Canada has had to endure the redefinition of spouse and, in the name of freedom of choice, it is confronted with the daily destruction of unborn children.".
Canada has always demanded the separation of church and state.
We have freedom of religion, however we don't have a "state religion" in Canada. The government does not interfere with the various methods of spiritual rites in the many religions in the country. Similarly no one religion should be able to dictate to state politicians how they should vote on an issue.
What are your opinions?
2006-09-21 09:22:35 · 20 answers · asked by roqofages 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Cultures & Groups ➔ Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender
I must disagree with those that say it's the duty of the Pope and that it's his right to say what he wants. He has absolutely no automatic right to make declarations that affect the rights of people of other faiths. Our Government was duly elected to govern our country in accordance with our constitution. Any politician who votes in accordance with his religion and not the will of his constituents and the constitution, does not deserve to be a member of the government.
2006-09-22 07:06:01 · update #1
Absolutely improper of the Pope to interfere in any Canada Government law or governing acts. Separation of Church and State, means exactly that and any politician who does not keep it separated should be impeached immediately. Which is why I think Bush should be impeached as he is not separating Church and State nor is he upholding his oath to honor and defend the constitution. Both situations apply equally here.
2006-09-21 09:27:11 · answer #1 · answered by Serenity 7 · 6⤊ 1⤋
> no one religion should be able to dictate to state politicians how they should vote on an issue.
I wish it were so. But it seems to be getting worse in several religions rather than getting better. About the only thing I ever see that resolves a conflict like this is extreme action that can be vilified by their opponents. Say like torture.
As to whether the Pope can do this ... I'm not Catholic, but from the viewpoint of a Catholic, yes. Well, sort of yes. He can absolutely dictate the beliefs of Catholics. If he says abortion = murder then it DOES. It's not an opinion coming from the pope - it's real.
For example, Limbo - the place where unbaptised babies go. When (I belive it was) Pope Pius the 10th said there was Limbo, there WAS. And it had always (presumably) been. When the Vatican Council and Pope Whoever in the 1960's said there was no Limbo - there was NOT.
It's really hard to discuss morally in reference to an absolute personality like the Pope. He is supposedly chosen by God to speak God's word. So, he can say whatever he wants. It's up to the Catholics to decide if they are going to listen (or burn in hell).
2006-09-21 17:03:12 · answer #2 · answered by Hanged Man Bendy 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Absolutely NOT. He has a right to his opinion but he has zero right to dictate or castigate to anyone. God has not been excluded, he is merely in the proper sphere, the churches. Contrary to what many Religious people think, a democracy cannot function as a theocracy. It's been done throughout the ages with disastrous consequences. The Pope is a man who wishes the world to return to the 16th century and cannot accept it is in the 21st. Most religions, are by definition, undemocratic, that is to say they have a hierarchy (usually male). As for Catholic politicians listening to the Pope, they should not run for politics if they cannot accept that they must work for ALL people, not just those who qualify for the Christian only club. The Pope should also look inward to his own failings and stop judging or pronouncing upon others. For shame, for my God loves me, this I know, not because of the Bible, but because He told me so, in my heart. That is the only spiritual guide I need. The Pope can have his autocratic life, I'll live mine as I know I am meant to.
2006-09-21 16:41:58 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 5⤊ 0⤋
The Pope speaks from a position that is supposed to transcend or bridge politics, eras, cultures, national boundaries, etc. Ergo, he can say whatever he wants about whatever he wants. Situations sometimes cast him in the role of a social critic. As most clearly seen in the recent trouble over his comments on Islam, he often pays the price by getting various parties' panties in a wad. This is to be expected. But he would be untrue to his position as Pope if he did not speak his opinion with candor and unafraid openess.
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ADDENDUM: Sir, you asked a question that can only be purely OPINION, no right or wrong answer. I answered you directly, and yet it was the "wrong" answer. I see a pattern forming here. If someone doesn't agree with you, they need to be gagged. Well it doesn't work that way on the free side of the planet. Sorry if that bothers you. ---At least I didn't lay a lot of infallability talk on you, which as a Catholic, I could have. That would take things to a whole other plane of responsibility vis a vis the Pope's responsibility to speak out. As it is, I just said he has a right to speak his opinion. Which he did, and does, just as I do. Without childish sarcasm, can you tell me why you have a problem with that? Did you really have any purpose, in posting your "question", besides getting a bunch of people to agree with you? How mature is that?
2006-09-22 13:19:47 · answer #4 · answered by martino 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Nope, in fact, he's only appealing to catholics politicians, unlike USA or other countries (including mine, Colombia), Canada has a very CLEAR separation between state and religion, therefore is a state that respect every single faith (religious freedom). I know that some people will disagree with my opinion, but free speech is permited too, right?
2006-09-21 21:29:37 · answer #5 · answered by apernett 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
As you say, "no one religion should be able to dictate to state politicians"--the pope is telling people under his authority to respect and teach the principles of their organization. Popes haven't been able to "dictate" to outside politicians in years.
The pope has a right to voice the issues under his authority in accordance to the principles of his organization. If that offends a Canadian, then that Canadian should consider distancing himself from the Roman Catholic church. If that offends a Muslim, then what does it matter? They are not of his authority. They are not of his religious tradition. It does not matter. If you are not Catholic, then what the pope directs to his people has no more difference to you than if he told priests in Botswana.
If a politician takes a politically popular position that is in opposition to the church, then that politician has a decision to make. Am I following the dictates of my constituency or am I a catholic first? The Vatican isn't "interfering", it is doing what it is supposed to do. The Canadian government isn't governed or coerced or controlled by the Vatican, the Canadian government governs irrespective to the Vatican. There is no conflict--except in the heart of a politician who happens to be catholic. In the government house he does his job to the degree his conscience permits, or he leaves.
2006-09-21 16:42:41 · answer #6 · answered by Rabbit 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I do not follow the Pope nor his religion.
He should be speaking to his people about his concerns as they relate within his church. When he attempts to subvert the rights of others by attempting to pressure Catholic Lawmakers, it is time to REMOVE those Catholic lawmakers for having a Conflict of Interest.
It's time he was put in his place.
2006-09-21 18:07:15 · answer #7 · answered by IndyT- For Da Ben Dan 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
The pope should keep his mouth shut -- but if he tries hard enough, he might be able to put both feet in there. Between him and Bishop Henry from Alberta, we don't need any more homphobic interference.
2006-09-21 18:06:42 · answer #8 · answered by SB 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
It's not proper for the Pope to dictate anything anyone does. He should mind his own business just like all religious freaks should.
2006-09-21 16:51:31 · answer #9 · answered by Kookoo Bananas 1 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Excuse me?! What exactly did you expect the Pope to SAY?! It is his JOB to share what he believes is the truth AND to encourage those who proclaim to follow the Catholic faith to abide by his understanding of the 'truth'. Would it bother you if an outspoken gay community spokesperson strongly encouraged gay politicians to vote one way or another?! Craig!! :o)
ADDED INFO
The Pope having the right to say what he wants to say has nothing to do with HOW a politician RESPONDS to what the Pope might say. YOU and I have a right to say what we want to say to politicians - TOO. But I agree with you in that a politician has the responsibility to abide by the wishes of 'the people'. [Even IF those 'wishes' are contrary to his own set of beliefs]
2006-09-21 19:16:35 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋