Austrian Commentator Hans Winkler on Marginalization of Christians in the UK
"Every Englishman could understand what he was talking about: The expression “Merry Christmas” is disdained; people use petty phrases to make seasonal wishes instead. An Anglican Bishop voiced doubts over homosexual-marriage and was therefore sentenced to a remarkable fine. Even with these rather controversial statements, the Pope met the audience’s approval. According to the liberal newspaper The Independent, he caught the spirit of the times. Benedict’s condemnation of aggressive secularism would vocalise the discomfort many British people feel towards their own country."
“Sophisticated Humbleness” As always, Pope Benedict XVI chose a highly official occasion to place the crucial and most important message of his journey. At his speech in Westminster Hall in London, addressing an audience of politicians and leading scientists, he said: “I cannot but voice my concern at the increasing marginalization of religion, particularly of Christianity, that is taking place in some quarters, even in nations which place a great emphasis on tolerance.” Obviously this was an explicit reference to the UK itself, a country well known to be proud of its great liberal tradition. “There are those who would advocate that the voice of religion must 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.” Every Englishman could understand what he was talking about: The expression “Merry Christmas” is disdained; people use petty phrases to make seasonal wishes instead. An Anglican Bishop voiced doubts over homosexual-marriage and was therefore sentenced to a remarkable fine. Even with these rather controversial statements, the Pope met the audience’s approval. According to the liberal newspaper The Independent, he caught the spirit of the times. Benedict’s condemnation of aggressive secularism would vocalise the discomfort many British people feel towards their own country. ... Full story in German please view "Die Presse", Hans Winkler, September 27th 2010