I have removed comment moderation for tonight only so that you can leave your prayers and condolences on the post below.
I will tidy up any mess in the morning.
Saturday, 1 May 2010
TEARS IN HEAVEN - A PRAYER REQUEST
From Suzer, of the now defunct "Wheel Inside the Wheel" blog:
Will you please post a prayer request for my cousin, Cindy, her husband, Joe, and their two daughters, Morgan and Christina? Cindy and Joe's 5 year old son drowned today on a family fishing trip. Needless to say, our whole family is in shock and grief. Why such things happen, I will never know.
Please pray for this family, as their grief is something I just can't imagine. There are no words.
Thank you.
Their son, Joe Jr., was fondly known as Deuce. Last summer, Cindy posted a video of him singing at a local baseball game on YouTube.
FORSAKEN MOTHER,
PRAY FOR US.
Lord, have mercy.
DESOLATE MOTHER,
PRAY FOR US.
Christ, have mercy
MOTHER MOST SAD,
PRAY FOR US.
Lord, have mercy.
Will you please post a prayer request for my cousin, Cindy, her husband, Joe, and their two daughters, Morgan and Christina? Cindy and Joe's 5 year old son drowned today on a family fishing trip. Needless to say, our whole family is in shock and grief. Why such things happen, I will never know.
Please pray for this family, as their grief is something I just can't imagine. There are no words.
Thank you.
Their son, Joe Jr., was fondly known as Deuce. Last summer, Cindy posted a video of him singing at a local baseball game on YouTube.
FORSAKEN MOTHER,
PRAY FOR US.
Lord, have mercy.
DESOLATE MOTHER,
PRAY FOR US.
Christ, have mercy
MOTHER MOST SAD,
PRAY FOR US.
Lord, have mercy.
WE'LL KEEP THE RED FLAG FLYING HERE
To the tune of "We plough the fields and scatter"
(Wir Pflügen, Johann A. P. Schulz)
1. You faithful saints and martyrs
Who fought for truth and right,
We ask your prayers and blessings
To aid us in our fight.
Your faith shall be our watchword,
Your cause shall be our own -
To fight against oppression
Till it be overthrown.
Lift up the people's banner
And let the ancient cry
For justice and for freedom
Re-echo to the sky.
2. In many a golden story,
On many a golden page,
The poets in their poems
Have sung the golden age,
The age of love and beauty,
The age of joy and peace,
When everyone lived gladly
And shared the earth's increase.
Lift up the people's banner
And let the ancient cry
For justice and for freedom
Re-echo to the sky.
3. Today the tyrants triumph
And bind us for their gains,
But Jesus Christ our Saviour
Will free us from our chains,
And love, the only master,
Will strive with might and greed,
Till might is right no longer,
And right is might indeed.
Lift up the people's banner
And let the ancient cry
For justice and for freedom
Re-echo to the sky.
4. God is the only Landlord
To whom our rents are due.
God made the earth for everyone
And not for just a few.
The four parts of creation --
Earth, water, air, and fire --
God made and ranked and stationed
For everyone's desire.
Lift up the people's banner
And let the ancient cry
For justice and for freedom
Re-echo to the sky.
5. God made the earth for freedom
And God alone is Lord,
And we will win our birthright
By truth's eternal sword;
And all the powers of darkness
And all the hosts of pride
Shall pass and be forgotten
For God is by our side.
Lift up the people's banner
And let the ancient cry
For justice and for freedom
Re-echo to the sky.
6. Christ blessed the meek and told them
That they the earth should own.
And he will lead the battle
From his eternal throne.
O have no fear, my comrades,
Cry out in holy mirth!
For God to us has promised
His Kingdom here on earth.
Lift up the people's banner
And let the ancient cry
For justice and for freedom
Re-echo to the sky.
Who fought for truth and right,
We ask your prayers and blessings
To aid us in our fight.
Your faith shall be our watchword,
Your cause shall be our own -
To fight against oppression
Till it be overthrown.
Lift up the people's banner
And let the ancient cry
For justice and for freedom
Re-echo to the sky.
2. In many a golden story,
On many a golden page,
The poets in their poems
Have sung the golden age,
The age of love and beauty,
The age of joy and peace,
When everyone lived gladly
And shared the earth's increase.
Lift up the people's banner
And let the ancient cry
For justice and for freedom
Re-echo to the sky.
3. Today the tyrants triumph
And bind us for their gains,
But Jesus Christ our Saviour
Will free us from our chains,
And love, the only master,
Will strive with might and greed,
Till might is right no longer,
And right is might indeed.
Lift up the people's banner
And let the ancient cry
For justice and for freedom
Re-echo to the sky.
4. God is the only Landlord
To whom our rents are due.
God made the earth for everyone
And not for just a few.
The four parts of creation --
Earth, water, air, and fire --
God made and ranked and stationed
For everyone's desire.
Lift up the people's banner
And let the ancient cry
For justice and for freedom
Re-echo to the sky.
5. God made the earth for freedom
And God alone is Lord,
And we will win our birthright
By truth's eternal sword;
And all the powers of darkness
And all the hosts of pride
Shall pass and be forgotten
For God is by our side.
Lift up the people's banner
And let the ancient cry
For justice and for freedom
Re-echo to the sky.
6. Christ blessed the meek and told them
That they the earth should own.
And he will lead the battle
From his eternal throne.
O have no fear, my comrades,
Cry out in holy mirth!
For God to us has promised
His Kingdom here on earth.
Lift up the people's banner
And let the ancient cry
For justice and for freedom
Re-echo to the sky.
Hat tip to EPISCOPELICAN.
AROUND THE BLOGS - HUMOUR SPECIAL
Check out...
The "Husband of the Year Awards" at WOUNDED BIRD
An excellent Lolcat pic at POVEY PRATTLE
A joke that should have been on "Are You Being Served" at BAILEY'S BUDDY
One for the wimmin at LESLEY'S BLOG
A true story that will either make you laugh or cry at BLETHERS
Enjoy!
The "Husband of the Year Awards" at WOUNDED BIRD
An excellent Lolcat pic at POVEY PRATTLE
A joke that should have been on "Are You Being Served" at BAILEY'S BUDDY
One for the wimmin at LESLEY'S BLOG
A true story that will either make you laugh or cry at BLETHERS
Enjoy!
BISHOP-SPEAK FOR BEGINNERS
From "INSPIRE"
(magazine of the Scottish Episcopal Church):
Bishop David is a good man, and may very well turn out to be a great bishop. But he ain't no living saint, PTL! In fact, he's wonderfully down to earth. So, my guess is that his statement above is actually bishop-speak for "OMG! Why me?"
(magazine of the Scottish Episcopal Church):
Bishop David is a good man, and may very well turn out to be a great bishop. But he ain't no living saint, PTL! In fact, he's wonderfully down to earth. So, my guess is that his statement above is actually bishop-speak for "OMG! Why me?"
Friday, 30 April 2010
LOUD FRIDAY
FISTS OF LOVE play and record against the post-industrial backdrop of Cincinnati’s Mill Creek Valley. Conceived by songwriters Donna Jay Rubin (Snake Punching Contest) and Chris Schadler (Fairmount Girls, Neato Torpedo) upon Rubin’s return from the west coast, the band began as a 3 piece joined by drummer Mathew Arnold (Mallory) in 2008. Cedric Rose (The Underwoods) soon replaced Arnold on drums and shortly thereafter the band became a 4 piece when joined by Mike Weinel (High and Low, Brian Olive) on bass. Nearly one year later Mike was replaced by John Curley (Afghan Whigs, Staggering Statistics), and now the four friends continue to play and record amongst the vibrant talent of the Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky music community. Other contributing musicians have included Eric Bingham (The Griefs) and Dan McCabe (The Kiss Me Everlasting, Roundhead). Their debut EP, recorded by Brian Olive at the Diamonds Studio as well as 2 tracks by John Curley at Ultrasuede Studios, is due to be released this March.Fist Of Love's WEBSITE.
THUE COURAGE
From THE DAILY STAR (Lebanon):
Saudi Arabia’s top Islamic rule-makers reiterated on Wednesday that Muslims should pray in congregation in mosques, rebuffing an outspoken religious police official. The Standing Committee for Scientific Research and Issuing Fatwas cited Islamic tradition and texts to argue for congregational prayer in a mosque, saying that even in a town with only three men, they must pray together.
In an interview last week, Ghamdi had said Muslim men were not obligated to undertake the prayers in congregations, in or outside mosques. That outraged the country’s highest cleric Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdel-Aziz al-Sheikh and within two days the president of the religious police – whose cops have the duty to press men to attend prayers – announced that Ghamdi had been replaced. However, the announcement was mysteriously revoked hours later, with newspapers reporting that there was high-level intervention in the case.
Ghamdi also made news arguing that there was no foundation in Islamic law for Saudi rules banning mixing by unrelated men and women – another key enforcement role of the Commission for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice, or religious police.
Debate over the issue has heated up ever since King Abdullah opened a new science research university in September that allows an international body of students and professors to freely mix. Tightly restricted entry to the campus near Jeddah ensures few Saudis witness it, and the virtue-and-vice commission’s enforcers are not allowed to enter.
Saudi Arabia’s top Islamic rule-makers reiterated on Wednesday that Muslims should pray in congregation in mosques, rebuffing an outspoken religious police official. The Standing Committee for Scientific Research and Issuing Fatwas cited Islamic tradition and texts to argue for congregational prayer in a mosque, saying that even in a town with only three men, they must pray together.
In an interview last week, Ghamdi had said Muslim men were not obligated to undertake the prayers in congregations, in or outside mosques. That outraged the country’s highest cleric Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdel-Aziz al-Sheikh and within two days the president of the religious police – whose cops have the duty to press men to attend prayers – announced that Ghamdi had been replaced. However, the announcement was mysteriously revoked hours later, with newspapers reporting that there was high-level intervention in the case.
Ghamdi also made news arguing that there was no foundation in Islamic law for Saudi rules banning mixing by unrelated men and women – another key enforcement role of the Commission for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice, or religious police.
Debate over the issue has heated up ever since King Abdullah opened a new science research university in September that allows an international body of students and professors to freely mix. Tightly restricted entry to the campus near Jeddah ensures few Saudis witness it, and the virtue-and-vice commission’s enforcers are not allowed to enter.
I BET THEY WOULDN'T SAY THAT ABOUT MUHAMMAD
From THE LOCAL (Sweden):
The Swedish affiliate of broadcaster Comedy Central has said it will not show two controversial episodes of US satirical cartoon show South Park depicting the Muslim prophet Muhammad in a bear costume.
"Comedy Central has decided not to air these two episodes of South Park. It is a decision we've made with great reluctance. Comedy Central believes strongly in creative freedom of expression; when unique and deeply insightful creative talents like those behind South Park are able to express themselves freely, we all benefit. However, the safety of our employees is our unquestioned number one priority, and therefore we have decided to take these precautionary measures," the broadcaster explained in a statement.
Spokesman Peter von Satzgerl told the Svenska Dagbladet daily that the decision came as a result of "international directives" from the channel's parent network in the United States.
The Muhammad joke formed part of a 200th anniversary episode screened in the US on April 14th, prompting threats of retribution from an Islamist group directed towards the show's creators.
The pair appeared to heed the warning last week when the second part of the centenary show was aired, with the word Censored appearing after the Muslim prophet's name was mentioned.
The original broadcast of the show was watched by 3.33 million US viewers but, following the Comedy Central decision, Swedish viewers will now have to find other ways to access the controversial episode of the smash hit show.
The Swedish affiliate of broadcaster Comedy Central has said it will not show two controversial episodes of US satirical cartoon show South Park depicting the Muslim prophet Muhammad in a bear costume.
"Comedy Central has decided not to air these two episodes of South Park. It is a decision we've made with great reluctance. Comedy Central believes strongly in creative freedom of expression; when unique and deeply insightful creative talents like those behind South Park are able to express themselves freely, we all benefit. However, the safety of our employees is our unquestioned number one priority, and therefore we have decided to take these precautionary measures," the broadcaster explained in a statement.
Spokesman Peter von Satzgerl told the Svenska Dagbladet daily that the decision came as a result of "international directives" from the channel's parent network in the United States.
The Muhammad joke formed part of a 200th anniversary episode screened in the US on April 14th, prompting threats of retribution from an Islamist group directed towards the show's creators.
The pair appeared to heed the warning last week when the second part of the centenary show was aired, with the word Censored appearing after the Muslim prophet's name was mentioned.
The original broadcast of the show was watched by 3.33 million US viewers but, following the Comedy Central decision, Swedish viewers will now have to find other ways to access the controversial episode of the smash hit show.
NEW "TOTAL DIET" MAY BE ANSWER
TO WORLD FOOD SHORTAGE
From THE METRO:
82-year-old Indian Prahlad Jani is being studied by military scientists after claiming that he has lived for 70 years without food or drink. He has so far spent six days without food or water under constant observation and according to doctors, his body has shown no adverse effects to the lack of sustenance.
Jani claims to have left home aged seven before becoming a wandering holy man in Rajasthan. He also claims that he is sustained by a goddess who pours 'elixir' through a hole in his palate.
"If his claims are verified, it will be a breakthrough in medical science," said Dr G Ilavazhagan, director of the Defence Institute of Physiology Allied Sciences.
82-year-old Indian Prahlad Jani is being studied by military scientists after claiming that he has lived for 70 years without food or drink. He has so far spent six days without food or water under constant observation and according to doctors, his body has shown no adverse effects to the lack of sustenance.
Jani claims to have left home aged seven before becoming a wandering holy man in Rajasthan. He also claims that he is sustained by a goddess who pours 'elixir' through a hole in his palate.
"If his claims are verified, it will be a breakthrough in medical science," said Dr G Ilavazhagan, director of the Defence Institute of Physiology Allied Sciences.
WELL, AT LEAST THEY DON'T KILL YOU
From THE LOCAL (Germany):
A 17-year-old girl has been expelled from her Catholic high school in the Bavarian town of Illertissen because she chose to leave the Church. Secession violates school rules, headmaster Manfred Schöpplein said late on Thursday, explaining that this led him to present the case to the Augsburg diocese – which runs the only university-track school in the area. It also happens to be embroiled in the huge child abuse scandal hitting the Catholic Church in Germany in recent months. The diocese authorities decided that the 10th grade girl would be forbidden to attend school in the next school year, throwing town authorities into an intense debate.
City council member and Catholic Edeltraud Baur said she found the sanction intolerant and a violation of the right to choose one’s religion. Meanwhile head of the parents' association Birgit Maile said she understood the expulsion, explaining that parents sign a contract with a religious school that specifies children could be kicked out if they leave the Church.
The high school receives funding from the Bavarian Ministry of Education each year, but the ministry refused to comment on the case.
A 17-year-old girl has been expelled from her Catholic high school in the Bavarian town of Illertissen because she chose to leave the Church. Secession violates school rules, headmaster Manfred Schöpplein said late on Thursday, explaining that this led him to present the case to the Augsburg diocese – which runs the only university-track school in the area. It also happens to be embroiled in the huge child abuse scandal hitting the Catholic Church in Germany in recent months. The diocese authorities decided that the 10th grade girl would be forbidden to attend school in the next school year, throwing town authorities into an intense debate.
City council member and Catholic Edeltraud Baur said she found the sanction intolerant and a violation of the right to choose one’s religion. Meanwhile head of the parents' association Birgit Maile said she understood the expulsion, explaining that parents sign a contract with a religious school that specifies children could be kicked out if they leave the Church.
The high school receives funding from the Bavarian Ministry of Education each year, but the ministry refused to comment on the case.
THE PRAYER LIST
From Jay of BAILEY'S BUDDY:
My friend Lyssa's father is in the hospital and can use your prayers. You can read about it here.
Not sure how I feel about Prayer but Dan could use some about now. j
***
Posted by Ormonde Plater at THROUGH THE DUST:
The following people were murdered this week in the New Orleans metro area:
4/21 Rickey Vaughn 29 Male Shot Orleans
4/23 Carl Major 29 Male Shot Orleans
4/24 Aaron Scott 17 Male Shot Orleans
4/27 Alma Blevins 46 Female Burned Orleans
Please pray for the victims, their families, and their murderers.
***
Posted by D. Gregory Smith at
FROM ETERNITY TO HERE:
The man I’ve spent the last 3+ years caring for died on Saturday morning. Sarsfield OSullivan was/is such a great force in my life, and I’m feeling a bit lost without him- and with all of the things I have to do.
D, Gregory has posted a beautiful eulogy for his friend and mentor. Check it out via THIS LINK.
***
Posted by J. Michael Povey at POVEY'S PRATTLE:
Within the last six months two men that I have know and respected have died of complications of Alzheimer’s disease. Today I learned of a third, who yet lives in that shadowy world which steals memory, and thereby steals identity.
I cannot imagine how it is to live (?) (if it is living) without a sense of my identity. Yet this has happened to my friends Russ and Charles, and is happening to my colleague Ken.
Russ and Charles, now departed from this life were blessed by the heart-breaking fidelity of their wives - Jean and Naoma. Ken, still amongst the living, is sustained by the faithfulness of his wife Ruth. I salute, respect and commend the fidelity of Jean, Naoma, and Ruth.“For of such is the Kingdom of heaven”.
***
Do check out the new "Heart Thread"
at BYZIGENOUS BUDDHAPALIAN.
***
Money raised so far for charity = $9.80.
Don't forget it is up to you to give your part of this to the charity of your own choice whenever you feel like doing so.
Pandita Mary Ramabai
pray for us.
My friend Lyssa's father is in the hospital and can use your prayers. You can read about it here.
Not sure how I feel about Prayer but Dan could use some about now. j
***
Posted by Ormonde Plater at THROUGH THE DUST:
The following people were murdered this week in the New Orleans metro area:
4/21 Rickey Vaughn 29 Male Shot Orleans
4/23 Carl Major 29 Male Shot Orleans
4/24 Aaron Scott 17 Male Shot Orleans
4/27 Alma Blevins 46 Female Burned Orleans
Please pray for the victims, their families, and their murderers.
***
Posted by D. Gregory Smith at FROM ETERNITY TO HERE:
The man I’ve spent the last 3+ years caring for died on Saturday morning. Sarsfield OSullivan was/is such a great force in my life, and I’m feeling a bit lost without him- and with all of the things I have to do.
D, Gregory has posted a beautiful eulogy for his friend and mentor. Check it out via THIS LINK.
***
Posted by J. Michael Povey at POVEY'S PRATTLE:
Within the last six months two men that I have know and respected have died of complications of Alzheimer’s disease. Today I learned of a third, who yet lives in that shadowy world which steals memory, and thereby steals identity.
I cannot imagine how it is to live (?) (if it is living) without a sense of my identity. Yet this has happened to my friends Russ and Charles, and is happening to my colleague Ken.
Russ and Charles, now departed from this life were blessed by the heart-breaking fidelity of their wives - Jean and Naoma. Ken, still amongst the living, is sustained by the faithfulness of his wife Ruth. I salute, respect and commend the fidelity of Jean, Naoma, and Ruth.“For of such is the Kingdom of heaven”.
***
Do check out the new "Heart Thread"
at BYZIGENOUS BUDDHAPALIAN.
***
Don't forget it is up to you to give your part of this to the charity of your own choice whenever you feel like doing so.
Pandita Mary Ramabai
pray for us.
MADPRIEST'S THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
The only person who knows for certain that something is real is the person who witnesses it (and even then the truth of the situation is subject to that individual's interpretation). This is true of the empiricism of science as it is for any other human endeavour. The level of our belief in anything is based on our faith in the witness(es) to events that we have not witnessed ourselves. Do we trust their veracity?
Orthodox Christianity is based on the realities of the Christ event relayed to us from the accounts of the original witnesses, not on the suppositions from out of the subsequent Christian tradition. That Christ rose from the dead is a scientific claim not a religious claim - a claim we believe or not depending on our faith in those witnesses.
It is totally wrongheaded to claim that the existence of God cannot be proved unless we accept that the existence of anything not witnessed by ourselves cannot be proved. For orthodox Christians the existence of God has been proved in Christ (a point Christ himself majors on in the Gospel record). An intelligent Christian will accept that it is possible that the witnesses were wrong and that God does not exist. An intelligent scientist will accept that the Big Bang theory may turn out to be completely or partially wrong. But the Christian chooses to believe in God and the scientist chooses to believe in the Big Bang because of their faith in the witnesses to the empirical.
God is either an observable fact or is non-existent.
Orthodox Christianity is based on the realities of the Christ event relayed to us from the accounts of the original witnesses, not on the suppositions from out of the subsequent Christian tradition. That Christ rose from the dead is a scientific claim not a religious claim - a claim we believe or not depending on our faith in those witnesses.
It is totally wrongheaded to claim that the existence of God cannot be proved unless we accept that the existence of anything not witnessed by ourselves cannot be proved. For orthodox Christians the existence of God has been proved in Christ (a point Christ himself majors on in the Gospel record). An intelligent Christian will accept that it is possible that the witnesses were wrong and that God does not exist. An intelligent scientist will accept that the Big Bang theory may turn out to be completely or partially wrong. But the Christian chooses to believe in God and the scientist chooses to believe in the Big Bang because of their faith in the witnesses to the empirical.
God is either an observable fact or is non-existent.
Thursday, 29 April 2010
A MORAL CONUNDRUM
From IOL:
A Christian marriage counsellor sacked for refusing to give sex advice to homosexuals had his appeal bid quashed by a top court today. Gary McFarlane, 48, from Bristol, wanted permission to appeal against an employment tribunal ruling which supported his 2008 sacking. The father of two, who had worked for the national counselling service since 2003, claimed unfair dismissal on the grounds of religious discrimination.
The high-profile case led to an intervention by former Archbishop of Canterbury Lord Carey, concerned about a perceived bias against Christians in the courts. Carey called for a specially constituted panel of judges with a "proven sensitivity and understanding of religious issues" to hear the case. He said recent decisions involving Christians by the British courts had used "dangerous" reasoning which could ultimately even lead to civil unrest.
But throwing out McFarlane's case at the Court of Appeal on Thursday, Lord Justice Laws said legislation for the protection of views held purely on religious grounds could not be justified. Laws called the idea irrational. "But it is also divisive, capricious and arbitrary," he said.
The judge said it was possible Carey's misplaced views arose from a misunderstanding of the law on discrimination. But Carey in his letter, read out in court, said: "The description of religious faith in relation to sexual ethics as 'discriminatory' is crude and illuminates a lack of sensitivity to religious belief."
He said the comparison of a Christian, in effect, with a "bigot" was further evidence of a "disparaging attitude to the Christian faith and its values."
Referring to that case, Carey said: "It is, of course, but a short step from the dismissal of a sincere Christian from employment to a religious bar to any employment by Christians."
COMMENT: Yes, we don't like George Carey. Yes, his views on certain minorities based on the less enlightened parts of Jewish tribal legislation most sensible and sensitive Jews regard as no longer applicable, make the possibility of the Kingdom of God be realised on earth less likely rather than more likely. But he may have a point.
His last comment, "It is, of course, but a short step from the dismissal of a sincere Christian from employment to a religious bar to any employment by Christians," is perfectly valid because we have the empirical evidence to prove this happens. The Church itself, including the one Carey used to head up, easily step from the condemnation of gay sex to barring gay people from employment in the Church (a policy the Roman Catholic Church is actively adhering to at the moment via its seminaries and which also reared it's ugly head when the Bishop of Hereford vetoed the appointment of a celibate youth worker because he was gay, a year or so back).
There is one thing that does worry me about the judge's decision and that is that it allows the sacking of people who held certain religious views when it was not illegal to do so. What if the Grand Tufti gets his covenant accepted and it becomes church law. If we agree with the judge on this judgement will we have to agree to be hardline believers in the infallibility of all scripture under such a covenant?
Over to you...
A Christian marriage counsellor sacked for refusing to give sex advice to homosexuals had his appeal bid quashed by a top court today. Gary McFarlane, 48, from Bristol, wanted permission to appeal against an employment tribunal ruling which supported his 2008 sacking. The father of two, who had worked for the national counselling service since 2003, claimed unfair dismissal on the grounds of religious discrimination.
The high-profile case led to an intervention by former Archbishop of Canterbury Lord Carey, concerned about a perceived bias against Christians in the courts. Carey called for a specially constituted panel of judges with a "proven sensitivity and understanding of religious issues" to hear the case. He said recent decisions involving Christians by the British courts had used "dangerous" reasoning which could ultimately even lead to civil unrest.
But throwing out McFarlane's case at the Court of Appeal on Thursday, Lord Justice Laws said legislation for the protection of views held purely on religious grounds could not be justified. Laws called the idea irrational. "But it is also divisive, capricious and arbitrary," he said.
The judge said it was possible Carey's misplaced views arose from a misunderstanding of the law on discrimination. But Carey in his letter, read out in court, said: "The description of religious faith in relation to sexual ethics as 'discriminatory' is crude and illuminates a lack of sensitivity to religious belief."
He said the comparison of a Christian, in effect, with a "bigot" was further evidence of a "disparaging attitude to the Christian faith and its values."
Referring to that case, Carey said: "It is, of course, but a short step from the dismissal of a sincere Christian from employment to a religious bar to any employment by Christians."
COMMENT: Yes, we don't like George Carey. Yes, his views on certain minorities based on the less enlightened parts of Jewish tribal legislation most sensible and sensitive Jews regard as no longer applicable, make the possibility of the Kingdom of God be realised on earth less likely rather than more likely. But he may have a point.
His last comment, "It is, of course, but a short step from the dismissal of a sincere Christian from employment to a religious bar to any employment by Christians," is perfectly valid because we have the empirical evidence to prove this happens. The Church itself, including the one Carey used to head up, easily step from the condemnation of gay sex to barring gay people from employment in the Church (a policy the Roman Catholic Church is actively adhering to at the moment via its seminaries and which also reared it's ugly head when the Bishop of Hereford vetoed the appointment of a celibate youth worker because he was gay, a year or so back).
There is one thing that does worry me about the judge's decision and that is that it allows the sacking of people who held certain religious views when it was not illegal to do so. What if the Grand Tufti gets his covenant accepted and it becomes church law. If we agree with the judge on this judgement will we have to agree to be hardline believers in the infallibility of all scripture under such a covenant?
Over to you...
NOW GOD HATES BABIES
From TRURO DAILY NEWS:
British Columbia’s education minister says she is looking into allegations by a Vancouver teacher who claims she was sent home from her job at a Catholic school because of her sexual orientation. Lisa Reimer alleges the principal at Little Flower Academy told her to stay home for the remainder of the school year, when her current contract expires, after parents complained about the fact that her lesbian partner recently had a baby. Reimer said she received the news earlier this week after taking two weeks off following the birth of her son. She had previously asked for parental leave but said the school refused.
“They (school administrators) said that they had lots of friends and family who were gay and they were completely supportive of that, but that families at LFA would not accept that,” Reimer told reporters on Wednesday.
A group called the Pride Education Network sent out a news release Wednesday on Reimer’s behalf, claiming the principal told her that parents were concerned “the girls might follow Ms. Reimer’s lead.”
Steve LeBel of the Pride Education Network, himself a former teacher, said, “Every girl in that school is going to know by now ... and the message will be that our parents, our teachers, our principal thinks it’s fine to let someone go because they’re a lesbian. I think it’s absolutely the wrong message.”
British Columbia’s education minister says she is looking into allegations by a Vancouver teacher who claims she was sent home from her job at a Catholic school because of her sexual orientation. Lisa Reimer alleges the principal at Little Flower Academy told her to stay home for the remainder of the school year, when her current contract expires, after parents complained about the fact that her lesbian partner recently had a baby. Reimer said she received the news earlier this week after taking two weeks off following the birth of her son. She had previously asked for parental leave but said the school refused.“They (school administrators) said that they had lots of friends and family who were gay and they were completely supportive of that, but that families at LFA would not accept that,” Reimer told reporters on Wednesday.
A group called the Pride Education Network sent out a news release Wednesday on Reimer’s behalf, claiming the principal told her that parents were concerned “the girls might follow Ms. Reimer’s lead.”
Steve LeBel of the Pride Education Network, himself a former teacher, said, “Every girl in that school is going to know by now ... and the message will be that our parents, our teachers, our principal thinks it’s fine to let someone go because they’re a lesbian. I think it’s absolutely the wrong message.”
WITH ALL YOUR SOUL - RECENT PURCHASES (2)
- Eugene Wilde
Chocolate Cherries
- Swoop Unit
Groovin'
- Greg Manning (above)
She Made It Crystal Clear
- Bill Banfield Band
Million Dollar Bill
- Frenchie Davis
How Strong Is A Woman
- Paolo Apollo Negri
Do Me Baby - Meli'sa Morgan
Preocupacón - Perez Prado (below)
Jefe Ironside - Los Mismos (right above)
Nothing Can Stop Our Love
- Teresa Graves (right below)
I'm Gonna Tie Him Down
- Lacey Jones
Tell It Like It Is - Cherlos
Cambio - Huracanes
Stop In The Name Of Love
- Los Flechazos
COME AGAIN?!
From THE BBC:
However, all the women have decided to keep the London bridges he sold them.
Mind you, perhaps he should have posed as a rabbit not a rabbi. He would have got a lot more sex then.
Thanks to Paul (A) for this one.
An Israeli man has been imprisoned for 10 years for tricking women into sexual acts by claiming his semen was holy and had healing powers.
Nissim Aharon, a former employee at the Israeli defence ministry, was convicted of rape, sodomy, indecent acts and aggravated fraudulent acquisition. Women paid him large sums of money, believing he was a holy rabbi who could heal body and soul, the court said.
Judges called his actions "monstrous", exploiting "women young and old".
The sentence was the result of a plea bargain, and was handed down at Petah Tikvah district court. Under it, Aharon will also have to pay 100,000 Israeli shekels ($26,866) to each of five women who filed the complaint against him.
However, all the women have decided to keep the London bridges he sold them.
Mind you, perhaps he should have posed as a rabbit not a rabbi. He would have got a lot more sex then.
Thanks to Paul (A) for this one.
AROUND THE BLOGS
Just when I thought he couldn't come up with anything more absurd than to compare sewage treatment plants to civil rights, along comes Leon County Commissioner Bill Proctor with another truly out there, and highly offensive, statement about the gay community.
This time, the renegade who may or may not actually live in his district, launched into a comparison of the scandal rocking the Roman Catholic Church hierarchy with the hiding and transferring of pedophile priests to an LGBT community who are of many faiths... including none... who just want to be able to work and live in this county without fear that their sexual orientation or gender identity will be used against them.
Proctor started his political vomit by asking why religious institutions would be exempted from the anti-discrimination provisions in the Human Rights Ordinance. He reasoned that they shouldn't be... and then pulled out the New York Times... and cited the child sex abuse scandals in the Roman Catholic Church "because of homosexuals." He kept repeating this line over and over. His intent? To be mean. To be evil. To be Bill Proctor.
Taken from "Bill Proctor: A Study in Stupid,"
posted by Susan at WAKE UP AND LIVE.
Mind you, it is obvious to me why Mr Proctor can come out with such uninformed, unscientific, unverified twaddle. It's because he is a black man and black people are no where near as intelligent as white people (there has been at least one unsubstantiated, scientific report stating that). Why we gave them the vote, let alone let them stand for public office, is beyond me. And what's wrong with apartheid anyway? If it works so well when used against gay people and Mexicans, why not carry on using it to keep dem ******s down.
This time, the renegade who may or may not actually live in his district, launched into a comparison of the scandal rocking the Roman Catholic Church hierarchy with the hiding and transferring of pedophile priests to an LGBT community who are of many faiths... including none... who just want to be able to work and live in this county without fear that their sexual orientation or gender identity will be used against them.
Proctor started his political vomit by asking why religious institutions would be exempted from the anti-discrimination provisions in the Human Rights Ordinance. He reasoned that they shouldn't be... and then pulled out the New York Times... and cited the child sex abuse scandals in the Roman Catholic Church "because of homosexuals." He kept repeating this line over and over. His intent? To be mean. To be evil. To be Bill Proctor.
Taken from "Bill Proctor: A Study in Stupid,"
posted by Susan at WAKE UP AND LIVE.
Mind you, it is obvious to me why Mr Proctor can come out with such uninformed, unscientific, unverified twaddle. It's because he is a black man and black people are no where near as intelligent as white people (there has been at least one unsubstantiated, scientific report stating that). Why we gave them the vote, let alone let them stand for public office, is beyond me. And what's wrong with apartheid anyway? If it works so well when used against gay people and Mexicans, why not carry on using it to keep dem ******s down.
WE CAN'T BLESS GAYS BECAUSE
WE JUST DON'T UNDERSTAND THEM
Well, I've heard it all now. This has to be the excuse to end all excuses. At least it gives me the opportunity to turn away capitalists, anyone against the ordination of women, the Welsh and anybody who refuses to speak English.
From THE ESSEX CHRONICLE:
A Gay couple who complained after being refused a civil partnership in a Brentwood church have sparked a compelling debate.
The vicar of Ingrave, the Rev Paul Hamilton, explained that the Church of England and nearly all churches throughout the world held the same view on the matter, and would not bless same-sex relationships. He said: "My viewpoint would be that all people are created equally in the sight of God, but same-sex relationships are not something we understand and are therefore not something we bless."
Brentwood's Roman Catholic figureheads are also against the idea and gay marriages have been publicly condemned by the Pope. The (RC) Bishop of Brentwood, the Rt Rev Thomas McMahon, said: "We would not be hold civil partnership services in our churches because it goes against our teachings and what we believe marriage to be."
Bishop McMahon believes what marriages are, as opposed to knowing what they are, because he is not allowed to get married. This is because God, after creating sexual intercourse as the way of making new human beings, changed his mind and decided it was a really naughty thing for people to do (what, with all those bodily fluids and stuff). So he only allows the pew fodder to do it and then only if they have a baby every time and absolutely do not enjoy themselves in any way whilst doing it. God made exactly the same initial error when he invented menstruation. It may be a perfectly good biological solution but it's really very yucky, in deed, especially if you are man, like what God is.
This is what nearly every Christian in the entire universe, and in all the parallel universes, believe.
By the way, if anyone can explain to Paul
why gay people want to marry each other,
you can contact him via his CHURCH WEBSITE.
From THE ESSEX CHRONICLE:
A Gay couple who complained after being refused a civil partnership in a Brentwood church have sparked a compelling debate.
While an amendment to the Equality Bill was passed in the House of Lords last month, essentially lifting the ban on homosexual blessings in religious premises, the (main talking heads of the) Church of England (have) made it clear (the Church) is not ready to accept civil partnerships as yet.
The decision was tested most recently after a male couple complained to Stondon Massey Parish Council when they were denied any chance of a civil partnership in the village church of St Peter and St Paul.
Bishop McMahon believes what marriages are, as opposed to knowing what they are, because he is not allowed to get married. This is because God, after creating sexual intercourse as the way of making new human beings, changed his mind and decided it was a really naughty thing for people to do (what, with all those bodily fluids and stuff). So he only allows the pew fodder to do it and then only if they have a baby every time and absolutely do not enjoy themselves in any way whilst doing it. God made exactly the same initial error when he invented menstruation. It may be a perfectly good biological solution but it's really very yucky, in deed, especially if you are man, like what God is.
This is what nearly every Christian in the entire universe, and in all the parallel universes, believe.
By the way, if anyone can explain to Paul
why gay people want to marry each other,
you can contact him via his CHURCH WEBSITE.
INFO FOR MIKE SCOTT AND WATERBOYS FANS
SOUNDCLOUD PAGE.
There's loads of unissued tracks and mash ups, including eight which are freely and legally downloadable.
Check it out!
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
My broadest point is that the old top-down, one-voice-serves-all model of government and the information system it employs is anachronistic, dead as a functioning model.
From "Technology undermining Catholic church structures" by Thomas C. Fox. Posted at NATIONAL CATHOLIC REPORTER.
People want give-and-take, understandable explanations. They want information to be a two-way street. Above all, they expect accountability. When all they get are press releases, you cannot expect them to be satisfied. No, they will be suspicious, they will question, they will most often not give you the benefit of the doubt. And this is what has happened, what is happening, as the Vatican tries to manage the current phase of the sex scandal that has rocked the Western world.
From "Technology undermining Catholic church structures" by Thomas C. Fox. Posted at NATIONAL CATHOLIC REPORTER.
Wednesday, 28 April 2010
THE MIDNIGHT JUKEBOX
I first came across her playing back in 1997 when Harmonia Mundi released an album of Bartok Sonatas performed by her on their Les Nouveaux Interpretes imprint (a series that brought lots of young talent into the spotlight). She is a courageous interpreter of the violin repertoire, especially solo pieces and duets, and she has an edgy, aggressive style that contains an energy that strains at the lead like a pitbull terrier that would cause mayhem if Isabelle was to lose control of it. This appeals to my punk rock sensibilities and is why I think the word "rocks" is an acceptable description.
On the jukebox tonight you will hear J. S. Bach's Partita III (BWV 1006) in E major in its entirety, taken from the above album released at the end of March this year.
Oh, she is also well cute, which swings it for me every time.
Isabelle's WIKIPEDIA entry.
PURCHASE VIA MADPRIEST'S AMAZON STORE
WITH ALL YOUR SOUL - RECENT PURCHASES
Push Kick & Shout
- Little Freddie & The Gents
You’re So Fine
- Little Walter & His Jukes
I Hear You Knocking - Smiley Lewis
It Won't Stop Hurtin' Me
- Jean DuShon (photo left)
Spanish Harlem, East 125th Street
- Monty Water
Northern Comfort
- Dr Rubberfunk With John Turrell
Get Into the Love Groove (Pt. 1)
- Calvin Hodge Lake
It's Personal - Angela Johnson
I'm A Fool - Paolo "Apollo" Negri
Cabo Verde Terra Pequenina
- Tulipa Negra (photo below)
Lai-Lo - Lekan Babalola
Exodus - Terry Disley
NOAH'S ARK FOUND - AGAIN
From NEWS.CO.AU:
COMMENT: Well, I'm certainly convinced.
99.9% is good enough for me.
Chinese and Turkish evangelical explorers believe they may have found Noah's Ark - 4000m up a mountain in Turkey.
The team said it had recovered wooden specimens from a structure on Mount Ararat in eastern Turkey that carbon dating proved was 4800 years old, around the same time the ark is said to have been afloat.
"It's not 100 per cent that it is Noah's Ark but we think it is 99.9 per cent that this is it," said Yeung Wing-cheung, a Hong Kong documentary filmmaker and member of the 15-strong team from Noah's Ark Ministries International.
COMMENT: Well, I'm certainly convinced.
99.9% is good enough for me.
HEATED DEBATE
From THE GUARDIAN:
Ukraine parliamentarians today staged one of the most memorable brawls of recent times, involving eggs, fists, smoke bombs and an umbrella used as a shield.
Ukraine's parliament erupted when parliamentarians were asked to vote on a controversial law allowing Russia to continue to use a naval base in Crimea. Opposition MPs oppose the move by Ukraine's new pro-Russian president, Viktor Yanukovych, describing it as a betrayal.
Ukraine parliamentarians today staged one of the most memorable brawls of recent times, involving eggs, fists, smoke bombs and an umbrella used as a shield.
Ukraine's parliament erupted when parliamentarians were asked to vote on a controversial law allowing Russia to continue to use a naval base in Crimea. Opposition MPs oppose the move by Ukraine's new pro-Russian president, Viktor Yanukovych, describing it as a betrayal.
FOLLOW ME!
From GOOGLE NEWS:
And a...
BRICK OF THE DAY
... award from OCICBW..., of course.
Thanks to Paul (A) for this one.
A dashcam video from the Alaska State Troopers shows a dog leading them through winding back roads to a blazing fire at his owners' property. The video on the troopers' website shows the German shepherd running to meet the trooper's vehicle, then racing to the house on Caswell Lakes on April 4.
Troopers say Buddy and his owner, 23-year-old Ben Heinrichs, were in the family workshop when a heater ignited chemicals. Heinrichs told Buddy: "We need to get help."
The dog eventually found a trooper responding to a call about the fire.
The State Troopers are presenting a special award Friday to the dog. Buddy will receive an engraved silver-plated dog bowl in Anchorage.
And a...
BRICK OF THE DAY
... award from OCICBW..., of course.
Thanks to Paul (A) for this one.
AMAZING RECORD SLEEVES OF ALL TIME
about stuff like this happening.
Tuesday, 27 April 2010
WELL, THAT WOULD EXPLAIN IT
From RIGHT WING WATCH:
Television and radio evangelist Pastor John Hagee believes the recent eruption of the volcano in Iceland stems from Britain breaking God's covenant.
Television and radio evangelist Pastor John Hagee believes the recent eruption of the volcano in Iceland stems from Britain breaking God's covenant.
The day after Britain's Advertising Standards Authority said the Western Wall in Jerusalem could not be used in Israeli tourism ads in Britain because it is considered occupied territory, Hagee said, the volcano erupted, shutting down Britain's economy in one day.
"That's coincidence, like the flood was a coincidence. That's coincidence, like the Red Sea was coincidence. That's coincidence, like the earthquake and the Resurrection was coincidence," Hagee told about 3,200 people at Lancaster County Convention Center on Thursday night as part of John Hagee Ministries' Rally and Prophecy Seminar.
Thanks to Mike in Texas for sending
this story into MadPriest Towers.
Thanks to Mike in Texas for sending
this story into MadPriest Towers.
LAUGHING AT TERROR
From CBS NEWS:
Last week, National Security Adviser James Jones made a joke during a speech at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy that was conspicuously absent from the version of the remarks distributed to the media.
Last week, National Security Adviser James Jones made a joke during a speech at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy that was conspicuously absent from the version of the remarks distributed to the media.
Here's how it went:
"In order to set the stage for my remarks I'd just like to tell you a story that I think is true. It happened recently in southern Afghanistan. A member of the Taliban was separated from his fighting party and wandered around for a few days in the desert, lost, out of food, no water. And he looked on the horizon and he saw what looked like a little shack and he walked towards that shack. And as he got to it, it turned out it was a little store own by a Jewish merchant. And the Taliban warrior went up to him and said, 'I need water, give me some water.' And the merchant said, 'I'm sorry, I don't have any water but would you like a tie. We have a nice sale of ties today.'"Abraham Foxman, national director of the Anti-Defamation League of B'nai B'rith, has complained that the joke was "inappropriate."
"Whereupon the Taliban erupted into a stream of language that I can't repeat, about Israel, about Jewish people, about the man himself, about his family, and just said, 'I need water, you try to sell me ties, you people don't get it.' The merchant stood there until the Taliban was through with his diatribe and said, 'Well I'm sorry I don't have water for you and I forgive you for all of the insults you've levied against me, my family, my country. But I will help you out. If you go over that hill and walk about two miles there is a restaurant there and they will have all the water you need.' And the Taliban, instead of saying thanks, still muttering under his breath, disappears over the hill, only to come back an hour later, and walking up to the merchant says, 'Your brother tells me a I need a tie to get into the restaurant.'"
"It's stereotypic," he said. "Some people believe they need to start a speech with a joke; this was about the worst kind of joke the head of the National Security Council could have told."
Now Jones has apologized in a statement.
COMMENT: That's a brilliant joke and makes the Taliban bloke look a complete wimp. If I was Jewish I would love to have such a joke told about my people as it makes them appear really clever and brave. Of course, Mr Foxman may be pointing out that the joke is Talibanist and that would be a fair cop. But sod that, they shouldn't be so murderous, misogynist and boring.
DURHAM TO LAUNCH DIOCESAN WIDE
"SPOT THE DIFFERENCE" COMPETITION
From THE TIMES:
The Flying Bishop of Durham Dr Tom Stoppit, is to retire eight years early to return to academic life it emerged today.
He will take a chair at St Andrew's in Fife in September, soon after his 62nd birthday. He could in theory have remained at Durham until he was 70.
The following was OUR KELVIN'S response to this new calamity to hit the Scottish nation (it will be like Oliver Cromwell all over again), which he posted at OUR RUTH'S blog.
From a purely selfish point of view I'm well chuffed as his departure could result in my neighbouring diocese returning to its former, inclusive attitude and, therefore, becoming a possible place for me to find a job without having to move from the part of Britain I love. But, I know for a fact, that there will be louder cheers than mine emanating from the Anglo Catholic and liberal shrines south of the Tyne tonight.
The poor Scots - they can be dour, pugnacious and downright uncouth at times, but they don't deserve this. Saint Andrew pray for Saint Andrews.
The Flying Bishop of Durham Dr Tom Stoppit, is to retire eight years early to return to academic life it emerged today.
He will take a chair at St Andrew's in Fife in September, soon after his 62nd birthday. He could in theory have remained at Durham until he was 70.
The following was OUR KELVIN'S response to this new calamity to hit the Scottish nation (it will be like Oliver Cromwell all over again), which he posted at OUR RUTH'S blog.
From a purely selfish point of view I'm well chuffed as his departure could result in my neighbouring diocese returning to its former, inclusive attitude and, therefore, becoming a possible place for me to find a job without having to move from the part of Britain I love. But, I know for a fact, that there will be louder cheers than mine emanating from the Anglo Catholic and liberal shrines south of the Tyne tonight.
The poor Scots - they can be dour, pugnacious and downright uncouth at times, but they don't deserve this. Saint Andrew pray for Saint Andrews.
WELCOME TO THE MADHOUSE
The following blogs are now listed at THE NEIGHBOURHOOD.
As this will inevitably lead to their authors being shunned by decent society the least you bunch of ne'erdowells can do is check out these blogs and post some nice comments on them.
DIRTY SEXY MINISTRY
FOLLOWING THE VOICE WITHIN
THE EARWORM
KELLOGGSVILLE
EPISCOPELICAN
As this will inevitably lead to their authors being shunned by decent society the least you bunch of ne'erdowells can do is check out these blogs and post some nice comments on them.
DIRTY SEXY MINISTRY
FOLLOWING THE VOICE WITHIN
THE EARWORM
KELLOGGSVILLE
EPISCOPELICAN
Monday, 26 April 2010
MAD PRIESTS: NOT WANTED IN SCOTLAND
Full details at CHIN WAG @ OCICBW...
(See sidebar for details of how to access)
(See sidebar for details of how to access)
HEADLINE OF THE DAY
From TOPIX:
I have a feeling all the different options will have already been
tried. But I look forward to seeing if they do come up with any
interesting, new suggestions.
I have a feeling all the different options will have already been
tried. But I look forward to seeing if they do come up with any
interesting, new suggestions.
Sunday, 25 April 2010
THE SUNDAY GO TO CHURCH HOLINESS JUKEBOX
I wish performers in the British and American Christian
ghetto, musical scene were as talented and uncringeworthy
as this Norwegian lady. She comes across as a mash up of
Dolly Parton and Gillian Welch - good, honest country
singing which is unashamedly about Jesus yet so down to
earth that nobody's embarrassment meter is going to click
off zero. Just like the old timers and black gospel singers
back in the day.
Of course, to the shallow minded like myself, it really
helps that she is also an A list babe.
Synnøve's WEBSITE.
SMALL SOUTH EUROPEAN COUNTRY
ATTEMPTS HIJACK OF BRITISH SOVEREIGNTY
From THE TELEGRAPH:
The Pope could cancel his planned visit to Britain because of a “hugely offensive” Foreign Office memo mocking his stance on abortion and birth control, sources in the Vatican said. Senior Papal aides suggested the Foreign Office had not taken strong enough disciplinary action against those responsible for the memo, which suggested the Pope should open an abortion clinic, bless a homosexual marriage and launch his own range of condoms while he is here. No-one has lost their job over the memo, which was sent to Downing Street and at least three Whitehall departments, and the civil servant who authorised it has simply been moved to other duties.
Cardinal Renato Martino, the former head of the Vatican’s Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, said: “The British government has invited the Pope as its guest and he should be treated with respect. To make a mockery of his beliefs and the beliefs of millions of Catholics not just in Britain but across the world is very offensive indeed.”
As well as suggesting the launch of “Benedict” condoms, the memo also proposed that the Pope should “announce sacking of dodgy bishops”, sponsor a network of AIDS clinics, conduct a training course for bishops on child abuse allegations and ordain a female priest.
Embarrassingly for the Queen it also suggested getting the Pope and Her Majesty to sing a duet for charity and changing the national anthem from God Save The Queen to God Save the World.
Britain’s former ambassador to Italy, Sir Ivor Roberts, editor of the diplomatic “Bible” Satow’s Diplomatic Practice, said: “Good God! I hope all concerned are ashamed of themselves."
COMMENT: The Vatican should be very careful in their brink(celibate)manship. The pope invited himself, for all intents and purposes, and whoever the British prime minister may be in September, it is possible that he will be looking for a way to get the tour cancelled so he is not forever linked with homophobia and misogyny, but without losing diplomatic face. Getting the pope to take the huff and cancel it himself would be an answer to his prayers (unless it's Mr Clegg, who is an atheist - who will probably just thank the random meaningless of life).
Anyway, if Benny thinks that memo was offensive, he ought to experience being gay for a while. Some of the things certain heads of multi-national religious corporations come out with in their official speeches and writings are far more offensive to gays than this spot on satire is of his infallibleness.
The Pope could cancel his planned visit to Britain because of a “hugely offensive” Foreign Office memo mocking his stance on abortion and birth control, sources in the Vatican said. Senior Papal aides suggested the Foreign Office had not taken strong enough disciplinary action against those responsible for the memo, which suggested the Pope should open an abortion clinic, bless a homosexual marriage and launch his own range of condoms while he is here. No-one has lost their job over the memo, which was sent to Downing Street and at least three Whitehall departments, and the civil servant who authorised it has simply been moved to other duties.
Cardinal Renato Martino, the former head of the Vatican’s Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, said: “The British government has invited the Pope as its guest and he should be treated with respect. To make a mockery of his beliefs and the beliefs of millions of Catholics not just in Britain but across the world is very offensive indeed.”
As well as suggesting the launch of “Benedict” condoms, the memo also proposed that the Pope should “announce sacking of dodgy bishops”, sponsor a network of AIDS clinics, conduct a training course for bishops on child abuse allegations and ordain a female priest.
Embarrassingly for the Queen it also suggested getting the Pope and Her Majesty to sing a duet for charity and changing the national anthem from God Save The Queen to God Save the World.
Britain’s former ambassador to Italy, Sir Ivor Roberts, editor of the diplomatic “Bible” Satow’s Diplomatic Practice, said: “Good God! I hope all concerned are ashamed of themselves."
COMMENT: The Vatican should be very careful in their brink(celibate)manship. The pope invited himself, for all intents and purposes, and whoever the British prime minister may be in September, it is possible that he will be looking for a way to get the tour cancelled so he is not forever linked with homophobia and misogyny, but without losing diplomatic face. Getting the pope to take the huff and cancel it himself would be an answer to his prayers (unless it's Mr Clegg, who is an atheist - who will probably just thank the random meaningless of life).
Anyway, if Benny thinks that memo was offensive, he ought to experience being gay for a while. Some of the things certain heads of multi-national religious corporations come out with in their official speeches and writings are far more offensive to gays than this spot on satire is of his infallibleness.
BLOG-A-DOG (2)
Thanks to OCICBW...'s resident big,
soppy lump, KJ from Seattle, for sending
this cutefest into MadPriest Towers.
MORE PSEUDO-SCIENCE FROM THE ROMAN GNOSTIC CHURCH
From NEWS.COM.AU:
The Pope's right-hand man insists there is no cause-and-effect link between priestly celibacy and the child abuse scandal rocking the Roman Catholic Church.
"There is no direct link between celibacy and the deviant behaviour of certain priests," Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, Vatican secretary of state, told the Spanish newspaper Vanguardia.
The Pope's right-hand man insists there is no cause-and-effect link between priestly celibacy and the child abuse scandal rocking the Roman Catholic Church.
"There is no direct link between celibacy and the deviant behaviour of certain priests," Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, Vatican secretary of state, told the Spanish newspaper Vanguardia.
"On the contrary, it is precisely the failure to remain celibate that gradually degrades the life of a priest, until he ceases to be an example, a gift, a spiritual guide for others.
"It has been amply demonstrated that celibacy, when faithfully observed, is of great value to their vocation and in helping the people of God."
COMMENT: Actually, I tend to believe him. These obscenities are probably not just due to a simple link between celibacy and child abuse. I expect the problem is the dualist, unnatural, life denying, creation hating and completely screwed up attitude to the entire totality of human sexual nature adhered to by the misogynist, genophobic, mother-worshipping men of the Catholic hierarchy. Child abuse is a perversion of the normal sexual instinct, as is the divinisation of deliberately chosen celibacy. If you are already commited to one perversion it is no huge step to move on to another perversion of our God given, natural desires.
COMMENT: Actually, I tend to believe him. These obscenities are probably not just due to a simple link between celibacy and child abuse. I expect the problem is the dualist, unnatural, life denying, creation hating and completely screwed up attitude to the entire totality of human sexual nature adhered to by the misogynist, genophobic, mother-worshipping men of the Catholic hierarchy. Child abuse is a perversion of the normal sexual instinct, as is the divinisation of deliberately chosen celibacy. If you are already commited to one perversion it is no huge step to move on to another perversion of our God given, natural desires.
DON'T DO AS WE DO. DO AS WE SAY.
From CHRISTIAN TODAY:
Christian groups have called into question a declaration urging Christians to vote according to their conscience in the General Election.
The Westminster Declaration urges Christians to vote with three issues particularly in mind - protecting human life, protecting marriage, and protecting freedom of conscience. It has been signed by more than 36,000 Christians, including former Archbishop of Canterbury Lord Carey, the head of the Evangelical Alliance Steve Clifford, and the head of the Catholic Church in Scotland Cardinal Keith O’Brien.
The declaration has met with strong criticism from Faithworks, which has stated it will not be signing it. The influential ministry, which resources Christians for community engagement, criticised the Westminster Declaration for suggesting that “government should be chosen according to their responses to only three issues – protection of human life, marriage and conscience – rather than the impact of the spectrum of their policies locally, nationally and internationally”.
The group state: “The Westminster 2010 Declaration sets Christians up on a moral high ground and implicitly creates divisiveness. It does this at just the time when the church’s morality has been called into question across the world.”
Cross-party group, Christians in Politics, also expressed its concerns about the declaration. They commented: “There is a danger that people will judge the faith of a Christian standing for election, merely by whether or not they have signed this pledge. We urge people not to do so.”
Christian groups have called into question a declaration urging Christians to vote according to their conscience in the General Election.
The Westminster Declaration urges Christians to vote with three issues particularly in mind - protecting human life, protecting marriage, and protecting freedom of conscience. It has been signed by more than 36,000 Christians, including former Archbishop of Canterbury Lord Carey, the head of the Evangelical Alliance Steve Clifford, and the head of the Catholic Church in Scotland Cardinal Keith O’Brien.
The declaration has met with strong criticism from Faithworks, which has stated it will not be signing it. The influential ministry, which resources Christians for community engagement, criticised the Westminster Declaration for suggesting that “government should be chosen according to their responses to only three issues – protection of human life, marriage and conscience – rather than the impact of the spectrum of their policies locally, nationally and internationally”.
The group state: “The Westminster 2010 Declaration sets Christians up on a moral high ground and implicitly creates divisiveness. It does this at just the time when the church’s morality has been called into question across the world.”
Cross-party group, Christians in Politics, also expressed its concerns about the declaration. They commented: “There is a danger that people will judge the faith of a Christian standing for election, merely by whether or not they have signed this pledge. We urge people not to do so.”
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