Posted on 12/06/2004 9:04:12 PM PST by Destro
Vatican presses the UN to recognise 'Christianophobia'
By Jonathan Petre, Religion Correspondent
(Filed: 07/12/2004)
The Vatican is pressing the United Nations to recognise "Christianophobia" as an evil equal to that of anti-Semitism or "Islamophobia". Archbishop Giovanni Lajolo, the Vatican's foreign minister, said anti-Christian feeling had increased, exacerbated by the war on terrorism.
He said Christianity was often mistakenly seen as being inextricably linked with Western political policy, and had suffered as a result in the backlash against the West.
His comments, at a conference in Rome, were primarily aimed at Middle Eastern countries such as Iraq, where insurgents have bombed a number of churches.
But he also echoed Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, a leading contender to be the next Pope, who said last month that parts of Europe were so now secular that Christianity was being pushed into the margins.
Archbishop Lajolo disclosed that Vatican diplomats were discreetly attempting to persuade the UN and other bodies to recognise the previously almost unheard of term "Christianophobia".
"It should be recognised that the war on terrorism, even though necessary, had as one of its side-effects the spread of 'Christianophobia' in vast areas of the globe," he told the conference. The UN General Assembly in New York is to debate the issue later this month.
Speaking to reporters after his speech, the archbishop said anti-Christian and anti-Catholic sentiments were not only to be found in Muslim countries. Hostility existed in states where Church-sponsored schools or charities were perceived as thinly-veiled attempts at proselytism.
The Vatican is pressing its case despite failing to persuade the European Union to include a reference to the continent's Christian heritage in its new constitution.
The Vatican campaign has provoked a mixed reaction, with some Christian human rights activists arguing that it could prove counter-productive.
Alexandra Aula of Franciscans International, a Catholic pressure group based in Geneva, said: "Obviously we have seen many countries where Christian minorities are in danger, but we don't think this is the appropriate way to really ensure protection.
"What we fear is that this is the way to start eroding universal human rights. You will then have Sikhs and Buddhists and all the others coming and claiming rights. Where does it end?"
But Vatican officials said privately that they could not stand aside while Judaism and Islam got special attention at the UN. The organisation demands regular reports from member countries on issues officially recognised as international concerns.
Ping.
The US Congress - if not held by the balls by the Saudis like I assume they are - should pass such a resolution.
Indeed they should, the ACLU should be notified.
Isn't a phobia an irrational fear?
"Victim culture meet the Vatican.
Vatican meet the Victim culture."
No question that the masonic hatred of Catholicism remains in a PC world, and is nourished and fed by the same PC hatred. But it extends to the Vatican, as well, in these times. The only people not really welcome in Rome - are CATHOLICS! at least those who take Catholicism seriously, and love and fear Our Lord.
The thing that comes to my mind is that this is an exemplar of pathetic whining, particularly by running to the dysfunctional UN. Part of my annoyance, is that the complaint is non specific. Just exactly what is be suggested to be done about what? Maybe if the Vatican worried less about special pleading, and more about denouncing evil whereever it manifested itself, despite what it perceives as its provincial interests, it might interest me some more.
Christianophobia comes awfully close to the long used Christophobia. This term was first introduced by an American talk show host. I wonder if anyone besides me knows who the originator of this term is and why he doesn't receive credit.
"the masonic hatred of Catholicism" ? With all due respect to common love of our Lord,
From my readings (not personal experience), some of the Knights Templar/Masonic groups had links to Catholicism....while some of the Masonic secret rituals of the highest degrees have links to Eastern occultic religions and Indian gods including Vishnu. Joseph Smith was a Mason...and Mormon secret ceremonies greatly resemble Masonry's. (adjusts tin-foil hat).
Incredible waste of time. The UN is the most anti-semitic group in the world, and they have resolutions against it, what good is another resolution? The UN resolutions mean nothing to nobody, even themselves.
To be honest - I think its the development of internet shorthand not a slap at Christ. Like LOL or IMHO.
Would those who prefer - X'tian - just as easily write - Jesus Christ or Christian?
You believe that?
Why not? The Greeks used just two letters the Chi-Ro.
Cause they never do. They use X'tian for a reason. And that's the reason.
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