Tempest in a Communion Cup
I can remember 'way back when, that religion was such a big issue that John F. Kennedy's ascension to the White House was considered a real break-through as he was the first practising Roman Catholic to attain that hallowed position. The separation of chuch and state. Most progressive, democratic countries believe in and practise the concept. While still being wedded, given the fact that much of Europe and North America were god-driven, a huge religious community of communities. The dominant religion was Christianity; Protestant and Roman Catholic. Still, it was generally acknowledged that practical considerations of statehood and governance, while tipping its hat in acknowledgement to the values of the Judeo-Christian precepts, should present itself as completely (welllll) independent from religious ties.It was a sweet conceit, of course. England, with its interwoven Parliament and primacy of the Anglican church; the royal family representing each at least equally. Spain, Italy, Greece, Portugal, Russia (pre-revolution to be sure, and never a democracy) for example, with their adherence to Roman Catholicism; Germany and Austria to Lutheranism. Public governance paid obeisance to its spiritual overseers. One could be handily elected if, among other virtues, one practised the religion of the majority. France, however, seemed beyond that, more practical, more politically evolutionary, post-revolutionary.
Yet here we are, in the present era where Canada has had a succession of Protestant Prime Ministers, and in later history Roman Catholic Prime Ministers. I still find it difficult to believe that there are more people who adhere to the practise of Roman Catholicism than Protestanism, but there you are. In the last fourty years I believe we've had four practising Roman Catholics as prime ministers. The last two, devout adherents both, have echoed what appears to be a general consensus among Canadians in the 'live-and-let-live' category that we would, as a country, accept the concept of same-sex marriage. So what's the new Pope done? We knew he disapproved, in the most strenuous way, of gay (lesbian) alliances, let alone legally-approved same-sex marriage. Canada's previous and current prime ministers both believed that to deny gays/lesbians their marriage, civic and religious, would be to deny our obligations to all Canadian citizens under the provisions of equality writ large in our Constitution.
So what's a good practising Roman Catholic to do if he also happens to be a country's primary legislator? Why, he puts his personal religion aside, of course, and he accedes to the parliamentary governance side of his elected mandate and approves legislation to legalize gay marriage. "Do me something" the old adage goes. The pope, to the credit of his office and the discredit of his appearance of meddling in the affairs of the state, has issued a neat little fatwah against politicians who use their public office to support gay marriage.
Our esteemed Prime Minister Paul Martin has responded "nothing doing". He will continue his support. Nice to note that the priest attached to the parish church which Paul Martin attends has stated he has every intention of continuing to offer communion to the Prime Minister. Good on ya.
posted by Pieface @ Sunday, October 02, 2005
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