By Susan Brinkmann, OCDS
Staff Journalist
While addressing the bishops of England and Wales during their Ad Limina visit to Rome, Pope Benedict XVI said that Catholic teaching and Gospel truths have a right to be included in the public debate.
The Catholic News Service (CNS) is reporting that the Pope made these comments while addressing England’s controversial new Equality Bill which, if passed, could allow churches to be sued for turning away candidates for the priesthood on the basis of gender or sexual lifestyle. He urged the bishops to continue to defend Church teaching in the public square, saying they have a right “to participate in national debate through respectful dialogue with other elements in society.”
When bishops participate in public discussion they are giving voice to beliefs held by many people who are unable to express themselves, he said. “When so many of the population claim to be Christian, how could anyone dispute the Gospel’s right to be heard?” the pope asked.
“Fidelity to the Gospel in no way restricts the freedom of others – on the contrary, it serves their freedom by offering them the truth,” he said.
However, to bring a coherent, convincing message to the people, the church must ensure the Catholic community speaks with one voice, he added, saying that encouraging the expression of a variety of opinions doesn’t mean tolerating dissent.
“ . .. (I)t is important to recognize dissent for what it is,” he said, “and not to mistake it for a mature contribution to a balanced and wide-ranging debate.”
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