Pope cites 'unprecedented gravity' of threat to religious freedom in US

CWN - August 06, 2012

Pope Benedict XVI has warned of the "unprecedented gravity" of threats to religious freedom of Catholics in the US.

In a message to the 130th Supreme Convention of the Knights of Columbus, which takes place this week in Anaheim, California, the Pope praises the American tradition of freedom--especially religious freedom--but notes "the responsibility of each new generation to preserve, defend and advance those great ideals in its own day."

"At a time when concerted efforts are being made to redefine and restrict the exercise of the right to religious freedom," the papal message exhorts the Knights of Columbus to "counter a reductive secularism which would delegitimize the Church’s participation in public debate."

The Pope's message to the Knights of Columbus--conveyed in a telegram to the Supreme Knight, Carl Anderson, and signed by Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, the Vatican Secretary of State--lauds the organization as "a pioneer in the development of the modern lay apostolate." The message encourages the Knights to continue bearing witness to authentic Catholic principles in public life.

Additional sources for this story
Some links will take you to other sites, in a new window.

An appeal from our founder, Dr. Jeffrey Mirus:

Dear reader: If you found the information on this page helpful in your pursuit of a better Catholic life, please support our work with a donation. Your donation will help us reach five million Truth-seeking readers worldwide this year. Thank you!

Easter Campaign:
Progress toward our Spring 2013 goal ($33,066 to go):
$80,000.00 $46,933.77
41% 59%
Sound Off! CatholicCulture.org supporters weigh in.

All comments are moderated. To lighten our editing burden, only current donors are allowed to Sound Off. If you are a donor, log in to see the comment form; otherwise please support our work, and Sound Off!

Show 1 Comments? (Hidden)Hide Comments
  • Posted by: filioque - Aug. 07, 2012 12:50 AM ET USA

    The Pope should talk to Cardinal Dolan, who will tell him that things are so hunky-dory here that Pres. Obama is coming to a jolly dinner in New York, so don't worry about us.

Catholic World News Email Newsletter
Donate to Support this Site: Your contribution will be put to good work.
Tour the CatholicCulture.org Site
Shop Amazon to Raise Money for Catholic Culture

Recent Catholic Commentary

Learning from the sick, and from the death of a child May 17
The case for change in Irish abortion law: based on a framework of falsehood May 17
The Smell of the Sheep May 16
Too many missing funds: Catholic institutions need tighter financial controls May 16
What capitalists should learn from the Pope's critique May 16

Top Catholic News

Most Important Stories of the Last 30 Days
Pope strongly supports call for reform in religious life CWN - May 8