I was saddened to the core when I saw this headline a few days ago. I was reminded of the words of Pope Benedict XVI during his speech at Westminster Hall
'I cannot but voice my concern at the increasing
marginalisation of religion, particularly of Christianity, that is taking place
in some quarters, even in nations which place a great emphasis on tolerance.
There are those who would advocate that the voice of religion be silenced, or
at least relegated to the purely private sphere.
There are those who argue that the public celebration of festivals such as
Christmas should be discouraged, in the questionable belief that it might
somehow offend those of other religions or none.
And there are those who argue - paradoxically with the intention of
eliminating discrimination - that Christians in public roles should be required
at times to act against their conscience.
These are worrying signs of a failure to appreciate not only the rights of
believers to freedom of conscience and freedom of religion, but also the
legitimate role of religion in the public square.
I would invite all of you, therefore, within your respective spheres of
influence, to seek ways of promoting and encouraging dialogue between faith and
reason at every level of national life.
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