Reunification of Church and State

Amplify’d from www.zenit.org

ZE10100708 - 2010-10-07 Permalink: http://www.zenit.org/article-30579?l=english

Pope Urges Church-State Collaboration

Says Good of Society Is Only Interest VATICAN CITY, OCT. 7, 2010 (Zenit.org).- There should be "loyal and respectful collaboration" between the Church and state, Benedict XVI affirmed today in speaking with Chile's new ambassador to the Holy See.   Fernando Zegers Santa Cruz presented his letters of credence to the Pope in the Vatican today, giving the Holy Father an opportunity to speak about the spiritual and human richness of Chile. The Pontiff also emphasized an appropriate relationship for Church and state, "independent and autonomous each in its own field," but both called "to develop a loyal and respectful collaboration to serve the personal and social vocation of persons themselves."   "In fulfilling her specific mission of proclaiming the Good News of Jesus Christ, the Church seeks to respond to the expectations and questions of men, leaning also on the ethical and anthropological values and principles that are inscribed in human nature," the Holy Father explained.   He continued: "When the Church raises her voice in face of today's great challenges and problems, such as wars, hunger, the extreme poverty of so many, the defense of human life from its conception until its natural end, or the promotion of the family founded on marriage between a man and a woman and the first [entity] responsible for the education of children, it does not act out of individual interests or for principles that can only be perceived by those who profess a specific religious faith.   "Respecting the rules of democratic coexistence, it does so for the good of the whole society and in the name of values that every person can share with his right reasoning."   Closeness to Chile   The Pope expressed his own affection for Chile, saying that despite the geographical distance, he carries the nation "very deep in my heart, and very especially after the terrible earthquake it suffered recently."   "I also do not forget the miners of the Atacama region and their loved ones, for whom I pray fervently," he said.   In this light, the Pontiff lauded the "unity of the Chilean people in face of tragedies, and their very generous and solidary response when suffering intensifies."   He also stressed "the immense effort of the Catholic Church in Chile -- many of whose communities have also been sorely tested by the quake -- which it is carrying out to try to help those most in need."   Fruitful Church   Noting that Zegers Santa Cruz begins his mission to the Holy See in the year in which Chile celebrates the bicentenary of its independence, Benedict XVI also emphasized the role of the Church in the most important events of the country, "as well as in the consolidation of its own national identity, profoundly marked by the Catholic sentiment."   The Gospel, he observed, has produced in the country "abundant fruits of sanctity, of charity, of human promotion, of constant search for peace and coexistence."   In this connection, he also recalled last year's celebration of the 25th anniversary of the signing "of the Treaty of Peace and Friendship with the sister nation Argentina that, with papal mediation, put an end to the southern disagreement."   This "historic agreement" will remain "for future generations as a luminous example of the immense good that peace brings with it, as well as the importance of preserving and nourishing those moral and religious values that constitute the most intimate fabric of the soul of a people."   Above all in the present circumstances, in which "so many challenges must be faced that threaten cultural identity itself," it is important "to favor especially among the youngest a healthy pride, a renewed appreciation and new valuing of their faith, of their history, their culture, their traditions and their artistic wealth, and of that which constitutes the best and richest spiritual and human patrimony of Chile," said the Pope.   "The Chilean people well know," he concluded, "that the Church in that nation collaborates sincerely and effectively, and wishes to continue doing so, in all that contributes to the promotion of the common good, of just progress, and of the peaceful and harmonious coexistence of all those who live in that beautiful land." Read more at www.zenit.org

 

See this Amp at http://amplify.com/u/c79o

Pope Pushes for Church-State Collaboration

Amplify’d from thevaticanlobby.blogspot.com

Friday, October 8, 2010

Pope Pushes for Church-State Collaboration

This article comes from Zenit.

Pope Urges Church-State Collaboration Says Good of Society Is Only Interest VATICAN CITY, OCT. 7, 2010 (Zenit.org).- There should be "loyal and respectful collaboration" between the Church and state, Benedict XVI affirmed today in speaking with Chile's new ambassador to the Holy See. Fernando Zegers Santa Cruz presented his letters of credence to the Pope in the Vatican today, giving the Holy Father an opportunity to speak about the spiritual and human richness of Chile. The Pontiff also emphasized an appropriate relationship for Church and state, "independent and autonomous each in its own field," but both called "to develop a loyal and respectful collaboration to serve the personal and social vocation of persons themselves." "In fulfilling her specific mission of proclaiming the Good News of Jesus Christ, the Church seeks to respond to the expectations and questions of men, leaning also on the ethical and anthropological values and principles that are inscribed in human nature," the Holy Father explained. He continued: "When the Church raises her voice in face of today's great challenges and problems, such as wars, hunger, the extreme poverty of so many, the defense of human life from its conception until its natural end, or the promotion of the family founded on marriage between a man and a woman and the first [entity] responsible for the education of children, it does not act out of individual interests or for principles that can only be perceived by those who profess a specific religious faith. "Respecting the rules of democratic coexistence, it does so for the good of the whole society and in the name of values that every person can share with his right reasoning." Closeness to Chile The Pope expressed his own affection for Chile, saying that despite the geographical distance, he carries the nation "very deep in my heart, and very especially after the terrible earthquake it suffered recently." "I also do not forget the miners of the Atacama region and their loved ones, for whom I pray fervently," he said. In this light, the Pontiff lauded the "unity of the Chilean people in face of tragedies, and their very generous and solidary response when suffering intensifies." He also stressed "the immense effort of the Catholic Church in Chile -- many of whose communities have also been sorely tested by the quake -- which it is carrying out to try to help those most in need." Fruitful Church Noting that Zegers Santa Cruz begins his mission to the Holy See in the year in which Chile celebrates the bicentenary of its independence, Benedict XVI also emphasized the role of the Church in the most important events of the country, "as well as in the consolidation of its own national identity, profoundly marked by the Catholic sentiment." The Gospel, he observed, has produced in the country "abundant fruits of sanctity, of charity, of human promotion, of constant search for peace and coexistence." In this connection, he also recalled last year's celebration of the 25th anniversary of the signing "of the Treaty of Peace and Friendship with the sister nation Argentina that, with papal mediation, put an end to the southern disagreement." This "historic agreement" will remain "for future generations as a luminous example of the immense good that peace brings with it, as well as the importance of preserving and nourishing those moral and religious values that constitute the most intimate fabric of the soul of a people." Above all in the present circumstances, in which "so many challenges must be faced that threaten cultural identity itself," it is important "to favor especially among the youngest a healthy pride, a renewed appreciation and new valuing of their faith, of their history, their culture, their traditions and their artistic wealth, and of that which constitutes the best and richest spiritual and human patrimony of Chile," said the Pope. "The Chilean people well know," he concluded, "that the Church in that nation collaborates sincerely and effectively, and wishes to continue doing so, in all that contributes to the promotion of the common good, of just progress, and of the peaceful and harmonious coexistence of all those who live in that beautiful land." Read more at thevaticanlobby.blogspot.com

 

See this Amp at http://amplify.com/u/c79l

State police say Fawn Township man raped a teen - The York Daily Record

URL:  http://www.ydr.com/rss/ci_16288964?source=rss

See this Amp at http://amplify.com/u/c79d

New Testament News: Archaeologists Discover Lost Civilization Under The Melting Arctic

http://ohlundonline.blogspot.com/2010/10/archaeologists-discov...

See this Amp at http://amplify.com/u/c797

New Testament News: President Sarkozy Visiting The Pope

http://ohlundonline.blogspot.com/2010/10/president-sarkozy-vis...

See this Amp at http://amplify.com/u/c78v

The Food Police!

Amplify’d from www.ydr.com

Pa. bill sets limits for foods and drinks served in schools

LAUREN WHETZEL The York Dispatch

State lawmakers are trying to help combat childhood obesity. The state House recently approved a bill to regulate the types of foods and drinks available to students in Pennsylvania's schools. State Rep. Eugene DePasquale, D-York City, said he has two children in school and believes it's important to make sure healthy and nutritional options are available in all schools in the state. "We can't control what the children are eating in their homes, but when they're in the schools we should do our best to make sure they're receiving healthy options," he said. Although the bill was approved, DePasquale was the only York County House representative to vote in its favor. It passed in a 116-83 vote. Proposed changes: Here's what the changes would mean for Pennsylvania schools, according to the House bill: The sale of all beverages other than water, reduced-fat milk and fruit juices made from 100 percent real juice would be prohibited in elementary and middle schools. In high schools, however, the bill would permit the sale of non-carbonated beverages with fewer than 66 calories per eight ounces. The proposal would also ban the sale of vending machine and a la carte snacks that all have more than 150 calories, 30 percent total calories from fat, more than 35 percent weight from added sugars and more than 230 milligrams of sodium. Because regular sized candy bars usually boast more than 150 calories, the bill wouldn't allow them to be sold. However, the bill would permit items such as baked potato chips, pretzels, granola bars and nuts. Schools with vending machines would be encouraged to include refrigerated snack vending machines that accommodate fruits, vegetables, yogurts and other perishable items, the bill states. If the bill passes the state Senate and is signed into law, the following beverages would not be permitted for sale during school hours: Soft drinks with high-calorie sweeteners, sports drinks and iced teas with more than 120 calories, beverages containing caffeine -- excluding lowfat or fat-free chocolate milk -- and fruit-based drinks containing less than 100 percent fruit juice or with high-calorie sweeteners. Under the bill, school cafeterias would also be required to offer students the choice of at least two fruits and/or non-fried vegetables on a daily basis. DePasquale, a co-sponsor of the legislation, said he's "been fighting for this bill since the very beginning." The legislation also includes language that would monitor the schools to ensure their compliance with the regulations. Cafeterias now: In the Dallastown Area School District, about six different fruits and a couple of vegetable options are offered daily to students, said Susan Ayres, director of food services. Even popular food items such as pizza are made healthier in the school district because pizzas are made with whole grain crusts and low-fat cheeses, she said, noting healthier alternatives and fresh fruits and vegetables are costly. No sodas are made available with purchased school lunches, and all milks offered are low-fat, she said, adding that food services is not in charge of the school district's vending. A few years ago, however, the vending machines at Dallastown schools stopped carrying soda and sports drinks, said Alan Fauth, high school principal. "The only beverage carried in the vending machines are bottles of water," he said. Opposition: Funding was a key reason some York County lawmakers gave for voting against the bill. State Rep. Ron Miller, R-Jacobus, voted against the bill because "it basically requires the schools to spend more money," he said. "Next year will be so bad for schools because stimulus funds disappear," he said. "We can't place more demands for funding on the schools unless the state appropriates the money." State Rep. Scott Perry, R-Dillsburg, said the government has no business acting as "the food police." Perry, a parent himself, said he doesn't believe anyone has the right to monitor what his child can or cannot eat, whether it be in the schools or not. -- Reach Lauren Whetzel at 505-5433 or lwhetzel@yorkdispatch.com. Print   Email   Font ResizeReturn to Top  Read more at www.ydr.com

 

See this Amp at http://amplify.com/u/c78s

Amplify’d from www.ydr.com

Hear oral arguments from Snyder v. Phelps

Kansas Attorney General Steve Six, left, shows his support for Albert Snyder of Spring Garden Township, right, in front of the United States Supreme Court . (John A. Pavoncello) MORE PHOTOS

EDITOR'S NOTE: The Supreme Court has released an audio recording of oral arguments from Wednesday's proceedings. Use the player above, click here to download the MP3, or visit the Supreme Court's site by clicking here. For a transcript of the proceedings, click here. ORIGINAL STORY:Jackson Township native Nate Riedy and a group of fellow college students camped out overnight in front of the U.S. Supreme Court to hear Spring Garden Township resident Albert Snyder argue his case against the fundamentalist Kansas church that picketed his son's funeral. The group of Eastern University students was blocks away from the nearest restaurant or public bathroom and stuck it out through cold overnight temperatures to ensure they would get a seat for Wednesday's oral arguments. Their work paid off. Wednesday morning, they were near the front of a long line of people hoping to get in. "The ground is very hard," Riedy said with a smile. "I definitely have a disagreement with the ground on how hard it should be." Riedy said he wanted to attend Wednesday's hearing to show that not all Christians hold the same views as Westboro. Spectators left the courtroom with no clear idea of how the Supreme Court justices would rule after hearing an hour of arguments from Snyder's attorney, Sean Summers, and an attorney for Westboro Baptist Church, based in Topeka, Kansas. The justices on Wednesday grilled attorneys for both sides, often asking them to respond to hypothetical questions about the case or offering different scenarios for the attorneys to address. Snyder sued the church after members protested the 2006 funeral of his Nate Riedy of Jackson Township waits in front of the United States Supreme Court in Washington D.C. (John A. Pavoncello) son, Lance Cpl. Matthew Snyder, who died in a vehicle accident while serving in Iraq. The picketers carried signs such as "Thank God for dead soldiers" to express their belief that soldiers' deaths are punishment for the nation's tolerance of homosexuality and other sins. Albert Snyder initially won $11 million at trial, but the award was later reduced to $5 million by judge. A federal appeals court subsequently threw out the verdict on the grounds that the Constitution shields the church from liability. The Supreme Court this year agreed to take the case, which pits Snyder's right to grieve privately against the church members' right to say what they want, no matter how offensive. A central question some of the justices sought to answer during arguments Wednesday is what protection, if any, should be afforded a private person from broad public speech, such as picketing about a war or abortion. For example, Justice Samuel Alito Jr. asked, would the the First Amendment protect someone who randomly approached a black person and began berating him or her with racial hatred? Or would it protect a grandmother from anti-war speech if she was simply visiting the grave of her veteran son? Margie Phelps, who represented Westboro, argued that Snyder, unlike the people in Alito's two examples, was a public figure because he repeatedly spoke to the media about his son and expressed his opposition to the war in Iraq. She also said church members at the funeral were using it to express general viewpoints about current events and society. She pointed to the fact the protesters were 1,000 feet from the funeral and left shortly after it started. But Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg questioned why it was necessary for the church to protest at the funeral when they had already picketed elsewhere earlier the same day. "This is a case about exploiting a family's grief, and the question is: Why should the First Amendment tolerate exploiting this Marine's family when you have so many other forums for getting - for getting across your message the very same day you did?" Ginsburg asked. Summers, Snyder's attorney, argued that the church, in its protests and a subsequent poem on its website, The Snyder case View 'Free speech vs. privacy: Anatomy of a Supreme Court case,' an interactive timeline of the Snyder case, here were specifically attacking and harassing Snyder and his family. "We're talking about a funeral," Summers told the justices. "If context is ever going to matter, it has to matter in the context of a funeral. Mr. Snyder simply wanted to bury his son in a private, dignified matter." But Justice Stephen Breyer pointed out that Snyder never saw what was written on the signs until he watched a TV broadcast after the funeral. He raised two other questions. "One is under what circumstance can a group of people broadcast on television something about a private individual that's very obnoxious?" he asked. "And the second is to what extent they can put that on the Internet, where the victim is likely to see it?" Ginsburg questioned whether Westboro could be held liable for its actions if it complied with all applicable laws at the time. Summers and Margie Phelps, the daughter of the church's founder, Rev. Fred Phelps Sr., both said they expected to be victorious when the court returns its decision. During a press conference following the hearing, Snyder thanked his attorney and his supporters. As she stood in line hoping to watch the arguments, Dallastown resident Barbara DeCesare, 39, said she sympathized with Snyder's situation. DeCesare, 39, said she and her children had counter-protested Westboro Baptist before but said she questions whether or not the church's right to express those views should be curtailed. "I'm not 100 percent sure I disagree with their right to express their views," she said. Other people expressed a similar view. "I think the Westboro Baptist's view of Christianity is false and perverted," Riedy said. As for the outcome, however, he said he's torn between sympathy for Snyder's family and Westboro church members' right to speak their mind. Aaron Holloway, 26, said he believes the church should prevail, and said the way to silence such people is to ignore them. "It's a tasteless message, but it's still protected," said Holloway, a Philadelphia native who attends Howard University School of Law. Read more at www.ydr.com

 

See this Amp at http://amplify.com/u/c78k

EndrTimes: Shipping Our Economy, Our Jobs And Our Prosperity To China

http://endrtimes.blogspot.com/2010/10/shipping-our-economy-our...

See this Amp at http://amplify.com/u/c78g

The Infallibility of the Pope — Basic Facts About an Essential Dogma

Amplify’d from endrtimes.blogspot.com

The Infallibility of the Pope — Basic Facts About an Essential Dogma

by Catholicism.org April 25th, 2005 (Excerpt) Infallibility: The Dogma Before proceeding any further, let us read the definition of papal infallibility as it was promulgated at the First Vatican Council in 1870: Faithfully adhering to the tradition received from the beginning of the Christian faith … we teach and define that it is a dogma divinely revealed that the Roman Pontiff, when he speaks ex cathedra, that is when in discharge of the office of pastor and teacher of all Christians, by virture of his supreme Apostolic authority, he defines a doctrine regardging faith and morals to be held by the universal Church, by the divine assistance promised him in Blessed Peter, is possessed of that infallibility with which the Divine Redeemer willed that His Church should be endowed for degining doctrine regarding faith and morals; and that, therefore, such definitions of the Roman Pontiffs are irreformable of themselves, and not from the consent of the Church. . Read more . Read more at endrtimes.blogspot.com

 

See this Amp at http://amplify.com/u/c78b

Amazon.com: Sweeter Than Sweet by Vicki Joseph

URL:  http://www.amazon.com/Sweeter-Than-Sweet-Vicki-Joseph/d...

See this Amp at http://amplify.com/u/c76j