In Europe, while remaining open to other religions and to their cultural contributions, we must unite our efforts to preserve Christian roots, traditions and values, to ensure respect for history, and thus to contribute to the European culture of the future and to the quality of human relations at every level.Europe has almost completely given up its long-held Christian beliefs. The United States is headed that way as well. It is no longer acceptable here, in some quarters, to wish each other a Merry Christmas, although most of the U.S. does celebrate Christmas in some form. In Chicago, New Line Cinema, distributors of the newly released film, The Nativity Story, have been dropped as sponsors for the Christkindlmarket Christmas festival because the city fears that ads for the film would offend non-Christians.
As Pastors, we have first of all reflected on the mission to proclaim the Gospel in today’s world. This mission, “Go, make disciples of all nations” (Mt 28:19), is today more timely and necessary than ever, even in traditionally Christian countries. Moreover, we cannot ignore the increase of secularization, relativism, even nihilism, especially in the Western world.New evangelization is sorely needed these days, especially in the West. Our culture is crippling our belief system. Officials in Carroll County, MD became alarmed recently when groups of young teen girls began showing up in doctor's offices and clinics asking for the so-called "morning after pill". Far from "protecting women", this easy access abortion pill has paved the way for young people to further use each other physically. Given our current culture, perhaps the medical professionals shouldn't have been quite so surprised.
Above all, we wish to affirm that killing innocent people in God’s name is an offence against him and against human dignity.I wonder how much statements like the above will be covered in the mainstream U.S. media.
Hat tip to Joee Blogs for the link.
