Pope Confirms
Uk Trip, Slams Sexual Equality Law
Pope
Benedict has confirmed that he would make the first papal visit
to Britain since 1982.
The Pope also criticised legislation that could force churches
to hire homosexuals or transsexuals as a violation of
‘natural law’.
In a speech to bishops from England and Wales, Pope Benedict
said he looked forward to witnessing at first hand, the faith of
Catholics in England and Wales during the trip.
It was the first time the pope publicly confirmed the trip.
He, however, did not give a time but church officials said it is
expected to take place in September and will include a visit to
Scotland which has its own Catholic bishops' conference.
Delightful response
Trailing the Pope’s announcement is a statement issued on
behalf of British Prime Minister Gordon Brown.
It reads: ’’The Prime Minister and Sarah Brown are absolutely
delighted that His Holiness has announced he will be visiting
Britain later this year…It will be a moving and momentous
occasion for the entire country and he will receive the warmest
of welcomes.’’
The papal visit will be the first to Britain since Pope John
Paul II visited in 1982.
The bill
In his speech, the pope referred to a planned Equality Bill
which churches fear may strip them of the right to turn down
applicants for jobs, if they are actively homosexual or have
changed their gender.
"Your country is well known for its firm commitment to
equality of opportunity for all members of society….Yet, the
effect of some of the legislation designed to achieve this goal
has been to impose unjust limitations on the freedom of
religious communities to act in accordance with their beliefs,’’
he told the bishops.
"In some respects, it actually violates the natural law upon
which the equality of all human beings is grounded and by which
it is guaranteed," he said.
The bill is being discussed in the House of Lords.
The Church of England, mother church of Anglicans worldwide, has
expressed concern over the bill, warning government that if it
passes, clergy may be forced to perform marriages where one of
the couple has had a sex change.
Other religious groups have also expressed concern.
NAN/Yinka
