Arresting the Pope, World War III?

[CDNBear]

While I agree with the vast majority of what you say, I will point out that rates of pedophilia in the church are no higher than in any other population. Celibacy does not make men like children. Anyone who uses 'being hard up for some', as an excuse to touch kids is deluded.

I don't think he was saying that. I took it as, and I could be wrong, this is just how I took it. The Church having to address the issue of marriage, because in many imaginary ways, the two will be portrayed as cause and affect by the Church's detractors.

All's fair in love and war Karrie. Beside that, this is Dawkind and Hitchens. Are you willing to say anything is beneath them? lol.

 

[Blackleaf]

Pope is expected to visit Britain in September 2010, rumours circulating is handcuffs awaiting.

The pope's visit (to Britain) in September is a visit of state, and so it would be very strange if during a state visit the person who is invited to make a state visit is arrested.

In Washington, the American Humanist Association, which advocates the rights of non-believers, backed Dawkins' view that the pope should not have diplomatic immunity as a head of state and called for a "criminal investigation" of the church.

If the Pope were arrested by Britain backed by the United States, what kind of retaliation should we expect?

I wouldn't worry if the Vatican City declared war on us.

 

[DurkaDurka]

I wouldn't worry if the Vatican City declared war on us.

I would probably worry about the IRA blowing up your pubs again though...

 

[Blackleaf]

I suggest everyone looks up "Russian Bombers" and Canada and Britain. If you think it's an Arctic thingy, think again... They are patroling England, the Pacific and Canada as we speak.

Russian bombers conduct another Pacific patrol mission | Top Russian news and analysis online | 'RIA Novosti' newswire

Russian bombers fly patrols over Pacific | Top Russian news and analysis online | 'RIA Novosti' newswire

Russian bombers 'intercepted in British airspace' - CNN.com

It's been noted in the British press a lot recently that the Russians are throwing a few of their rusty old tin cans over their garden wall into Britain.

They are not long in our airspace, though, than the boys in the RAF escort them back out again.

 

[lone wolf]

It's been noted in the British press a lot recently that the Russians are throwing a few of their rusty old tin cans over their garden wall into Britain.

They are not long in our airspace, though, than the boys in the RAF escort them back out again.

Remember the post a while back about closing the Pakistan/India border?

A Badger's just not as high stepping....

 

[CDNBear]

I'm trying to find an article I read a few years ago, when Arguing about what is or isn't a failed state. In that article it detailed theh criteria for what is considered a state by international standards.

Give me a bit, because it was some time ago and I think it's worth applying here, because I do not think the Vatican can establish a claim as a legitimate state.

 

[wulfie68]

While I agree with the vast majority of what you say, I will point out that rates of pedophilia in the church are no higher than in any other population. Celibacy does not make men like children. Anyone who uses 'being hard up for some', as an excuse to touch kids is deluded.

I did not intend to suggest anything about the rates of pedophilia in the Church, or that celibacy was in any way related to pedophilia. I don't believe that, nor do I believe pedophilia is related to homosexuality either. Thats not going to stop some people from making those kinds of claims, however. What I meant was that if the Church would open discussion on one issue involving sex, it would be likely be forced to address others or face a similar situation (though probably far less volatile) to what it is facing today.

 

[karrie]

I'm trying to find an article I read a few years ago, when Arguing about what is or isn't a failed state. In that article it detailed theh criteria for what is considered a state by international standards.

Give me a bit, because it was some time ago and I think it's worth applying here, because I do not think the Vatican can establish a claim as a legitimate state.

I think they have a fine standing as a state personally.... BUT.... I think as an international community we need to be more firm about what issues should and should not be subject to the bull**** claims of diplomatic immunity, etc. I really don't believe that ANY head of state should be immune to facing an international tribunal on charges of enabling the victimization of an individual. If Harper helped shuffle a diplomat from one country to another after charges of child molestation, and left him in position to re-offend, or refused to hand that diplomat over to face charges, I would feel the same way I do about the Pope doing it. I would feel the same disgust in him hiding behind a political position to avoid facing justice.

 

[CDNBear]

I think they have a fine standing as a state personally....

I disagree.

BUT.... I think as an international community we need to be more firm about what issues should and should not be subject to the bull**** claims of diplomatic immunity, etc. I really don't believe that ANY head of state should be immune to facing an international tribunal on charges of enabling the victimization of an individual. If Harper helped shuffle a diplomat from one country to another after charges of child molestation, and left him in position to re-offend, or refused to hand that diplomat over to face charges, I would feel the same way I do about the Pope doing it. I would feel the same disgust in him hiding behind a political position to avoid facing justice.

I would support you 100% all the way.

 

[karrie]

I did not intend to suggest anything about the rates of pedophilia in the Church, or that celibacy was in any way related to pedophilia. I don't believe that, nor do I believe pedophilia is related to homosexuality either. Thats not going to stop some people from making those kinds of claims, however. What I meant was that if the Church would open discussion on one issue involving sex, it would be likely be forced to address others or face a similar situation (though probably far less volatile) to what it is facing today.

Okay, thanks for the clarification wulfie. I was trying to not assume that it is what you meant.

As for having to open itself up for policy review to the outside world, I don't think that's true. The celibacy of priests doesn't affect anyone outside the church. It's nowhere near the same issue as harbouring or aiding criminals.

 

[Praxius]

Just jumping in here.... while I think it'd be ironic and humorous to actually see a pope arrested and charged, and a little bit of justice given to victims of the RC Church over the years.... I highly doubt anything's going to happen.

As a perfect example, just look at what happened to Bush when he came into Canada and a pile of people wanted him arrested.....

..... Nothing happened.

The End.

Added:

And these people who wanted Bush arrested had lawyers backing them too with a pile of justifications.