Archive for category Religion

Equal in Dignity… or Indignity?

In November 2000, the European Union issued a directive intended to provide ‘a general framework for equal treatment in employment and occupation’.

While designed to prohibit employers from discriminating  on grounds of race, religion, gender or sexual orientation, its fourth article expressly stated that ‘the Directive shall not prejudice the right of churches… to require individuals working for them to act in good faith and with loyalty to the organisation’s ethos.’

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Our Crumbling Cathedrals: An Apt Symbol of Our Disintegrating Nation

Few artefacts better epitomise England than its cathedrals. It is precisely because they do that their current parlous condition so aptly symbolises the state of national disintegration over which the present government has so artfully presided during this past twelve years.

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Pope Pius Xll and the October 16th 1943 Round-Up of Roman Jews

The recent decision by the Vatican to recognise Pius Xll as someone possessed of the three heroic virtues of faith, hope and charity has reignited controversy about the war-time Pope.

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A Thought for Christmas

Ever since exhorting indigent parishioners to meet vital needs by shop-lifting from large chain stores rather than by resorting to mugging or prostitution, Rev. Tim Jones has really had it in the dog-collar from those accusing him of having contravened the teachings of his religion.

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Imposing Secularism in State Schools Isn’t Religious Neutrality, but Religious Persecution

‘Now there’s spiritual warfare and flesh and blood breaking down. Ya either got faith or ya got unbelief and there ain’t no neutral ground.’ So sang Bob Dylan.

I was put in mind of those lyrics by a recent decision of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR).

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The Writing is Back on the Wall for Christianity, Sort Of

Within the Roman Church, St Francis’ feast day falls on October 4th and is marked by ceremonies to honour and bless animals. When a Catholic church in London’s Kentish Town sought to display in a local public library a poster advertising a forthcoming ‘pet blessing’ there, it was refused permission on the grounds the event was a religious one.

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