Re: Papal Apologies
TopazOwl

Wed Oct 13 15:37:59 1999
Jenny wrote,*br*: Hi Everyone,*br*:*br*: On the Millenium, the Vatican intends to apologize for the *br*: Church's past persecution of religious dissenters.  A number *br*: of Pagans want Witches and Pagans included in the list of *br*: groups apologized to, and are circulating the petition *br*: below.*br*:*br*: I have very mixed feelings about it, and am not going to *br*: sign it myself.  But I thought people might be interested.  *br*: And heck, it could stir up some conversation! <g>*p*     I have mixed feelings about it myself, Jenny, for some of the same reasons you do. I don't intend to sign it (although the Henge of Keltria decided to, without my knowledge, but that's another story). First, I do not think the people persecuted for witchcraft were "witches" in the sense that we use the term now; in fact, most were Christians. Second, I do not think the Inquisition focused on witches, but rather, "heretics," and those came in many shapes and sizes. Third, I do not believe the Church owes Pagans an apology any more than Pagans owe the first Christians an apology.*p*     As a Druid, I do not believe the Church was responsible for the demise of the Druids on the Continent; rather, the Roman Empire was, an Empire that was decidedly Pagan. In Ireland, the Druids converted of their own will and pursuaded the people to do the same.*p*     I'm sure there's more stewing inside me about this that hasn't risen to the surface yet, but I know the letter made me uncomfortable.*p*Leigh
Papal Apologies
Jenny
216
Tue Oct 12 19:09:21 1999