Pope Benedict XVI has urged the Catholic bishops of England and Wales to stand firm against proposed legislation that he said opposes the natural law, and to present the Catholic Church's moral teaching in the face of the acceptance of moral relativism.

The pope’s remarks are being interpreted by the media as being aimed at the Equality Bill that the Catholic bishops have warned will force churches to violate their religious beliefs on homosexuality, marriage and the priesthood. But others have pointed out that the pope also is likely hinting that the bishops have some changes to make in their defense, or lack thereof, of doctrinal orthodoxy.

"Your country," Pope Benedict said, "is well known for its firm commitment to equality of opportunity for all members of society. Yet as you have rightly pointed out, the effect of some of the legislation designed to achieve this goal has been to impose unjust limitations on the freedom of religious communities to act in accordance with their beliefs.

"In some respects it actually violates the natural law upon which the equality of all human beings is grounded and by which it is guaranteed." He urged the bishops to present Catholic moral teaching "in its entirety" and to defend it "convincingly."

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Well, that was a thoroughly depressing assessment of English Catholic Bishops (and government). The Pope is a blessing and I pray for his efforts to hold firmly to the Truth, calling his Bishops to account when they wander away from the Gospel.

[1] Posted by Linda M on 02-03-2010 at 06:39 AM • top

Correct me if I’m wrong, but haven’t we just seen a bunch of articles about how English RC bishops and even COE bishops have been speaking out against this legislation?

[2] Posted by AndrewA on 02-03-2010 at 06:48 AM • top

AndrewA, if you read the linked article above, you will see why the Holy father is concerned about the actions and the words of many Catholic bishops in the UK.

[3] Posted by Rick H. on 02-03-2010 at 08:04 AM • top

#2 AndrewA—I think you are correct, but he may be concern that not ALL bishops are standing firm, encouraging the whole to stand with those who are being bold obedient already.

[4] Posted by Hosea6:6 on 02-03-2010 at 08:48 AM • top

So I assume the Archbishop of Canterbury will be releasing a similar statement in the near future?

[5] Posted by The Pilgrim on 02-03-2010 at 02:45 PM • top

As noted over at T19 today, Ruth Gledhill has written a scathing article in the (London) Times, criticizing the pope for supposedly misunderstanding the Equality Bill. I think she’s the one who has misunderstood the situation.

But the controversy certainly illustrates the PR problem that the Catholic Church has in getting its message across, when the liberal media are so biased against it.

I really love and admire this pope. What a stark contrst to ++RW! Alas, Cantaur frequently hems and haws and sends confusing messages, especially on matters involving the great Culture War, where his symphathies are often (although not always) on the liberal side. Fortunately, the abortion issue is a notable exception. But even there, he never acts in the clear, forceful, unambiguous way the pope does.

David Handy+

[6] Posted by New Reformation Advocate on 02-03-2010 at 02:47 PM • top

this is the link to Damian Thompson’s analysis, who is quoted in the life sites news article.

Clearly, the Pope is praising the Bishops’ stand against some anti-Christian legislation while at the same time telling them to speak out against each and every piece of anti-christian legislation.

[7] Posted by PaulStead on 02-03-2010 at 04:22 PM • top

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