Re: Papal Apologies Jenny jennyg@compuserve.com Tue Oct 12 19:25:00 1999 Let me start by saying I think this is a fine letter. I'd heard rumors that Pagan groups were considering asking for an apology, and I worried that the request would be some tactless rant about the Nine Million Martyrs. This isn't. It's a sane, sensible missive. Nicely worded, very considerate.*p*So why aren't I signing it?*p*Primarily because its history makes me uneasy. It seems to buy into the myth that most witches were victims of the Inquisition.*p*The Inquisition did not kill many witches. Most witches were killed by their State or neighbors, and we're not asking the European countries and Massachusetts to proffer apologies.*p*Worse, it doesn't recognize the Church's positive contributions. The persecution was actually weakest when and where the Church controlled the trials (e.g., during the Middle Ages, in Spain and Italy). The Inquisition actively suppressed witch crazes in Spain, and you had the best chance of surviving your trial if you were tried by the Inquisition.*p*The Burning Times were a horror that all segments of Western society participated in. To blame just one -- the Church -- doesn't make sense. We're not apologizing for the Roman Empire killing Christians, or for the wise-women and cunning men who blamed illnesses on witchcraft. Therefore it seems odd to me to ask the Catholic Church to be more penitant than we're willing to be.*p*On the other hand, I can see where someone might believe that once the Pope offered to apologize, it's good to point out that Pagans and witches suffered because of Christianity, too.*p*I'd be interested in hearing other people's opinions on this. It's an issue I'm divided on, and I'd enjoy talking through it!*p*Jenny*br* Papal Apologies Jenny 216 Tue Oct 12 19:09:21 1999