Quotes and news

The British couple referred to in a news item in this column last Sunday about a British court decision preventing them from becoming foster parents because of their Christian views on premarital and homosexual intercourse was not a Catholic but a Pentecostal couple.

Patriarch condemns use of nuclear power

Orthodox Patriarch Bartholomew I of Constantinople has denounced the peaceful use of nuclear power, saying that it is a “provocation” that violates the laws of nature. He said nuclear energy is “dangerous to the integrity of the human race”. He said mankind’s reliance on this energy source was “threatening its survival”.

The Orthodox leader, who has made environmentalism a keystone of his public ministry, said the world should learn to rely on renewable sources of energy.

Nigerian bishops demand fair election

Archbishop John Onaiyekan of Abuja, Nigeria, called for a “free and fair election in Nigeria, carried out in an atmosphere of tranquility and devoid of all rancor.”

“The Lord abhors the perversion of justice by those who ought to uphold it,” Mgr Onaiyekan said. “God has very harsh words for those who pass judgment for a fee.

Church-state clash beckons in Ireland

Plans to reduce Church influence in schools drawn up by the new governing coalition in Ireland could clash with Catholic leaders and other faith groups. The coalition is also proposing to introduce same-sex marriage and remove the crime of blasphemy from the statute book.

Catholic bishops have not yet commented on the proposed legislation. But before the election campaign began, Cardinal Sean Brady of Armagh, Northern Ireland, warned that any move to undermine the family based on marriage between a man and a woman would be likely to face a Supreme Court challenge.

People at the centre of ‘green’ economy

“Promoting economic development should not be at the expense of the poor and marginalised or of future generations.

“The well-being of all, and especially those who live with the pains of hunger and are excluded from contributing to and benefiting from economic, social and political life, requires that both markets and government policies be directed towards the higher goal of integral human development, grounded in the principle of the fundamental human dignity of each person.

“With them, it is our solemn obligation to remain in solidarity. We all must work together to ensure this is incorporated into the goal of sustainable development and the concept of the green economy.”

Charles Clark, a St John’s economics professor, speaking on behalf of the Vatican at the UN’s 2nd preparatory committee for the Commission on Sustainable Development.

Charity draws people closer to God

“We need to allow ourselves to be enlightened by Christ so that we can feel the urgency of our responsibility toward the poor. The service of charity belongs to the nature of the Church. It is an expression of God’s concern for all people. The fight (against poverty is) against what debases and degrades the dignity of each person.” Pope Benedict XVI.

(Compiled by Fr Joe Borg)