Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Madrid (Agenzia Fides) - “A publicity statement that infringes on religious freedom, on public buses,” is the title of the statement from the Spanish Bishops' Conference in which they express their disapproval of the fact that city buses have been used to spread the warped message: “There’s probably no God. Now stop worrying and enjoy your life.” “Freedom of speech is a fundamental right,” the Bishops say, and therefore, “everyone can exercise this right through licit means.” However, public areas frequented by citizens “should not be used to publicize messages that offend the religious convictions of many. If this occurs, it is an infringement on their freedom of religion, which should be made possible without their having to face disrespectful treatment or attacks.”
The Bishops also consider that “insinuating that God is probably just an invention of believers, moreover affirming the fact that He would not let them live in peace and enjoy life is obviously a form of blasphemy and an offense to those who believe.”
The Prelates mention that “the competent authorities should protect the right to religious freedom in its entirety.” And “Catholics should respect the rights of all people to express themselves and be willing to respond, with both serenity and meekness, to any attacks. They will respond with fortitude and courage in love and defense of the truth that God is love.”
Cardinal Antonio Maria Rouco Varela, Archbishop of Madrid, expressed his abhorrence and response to this atheist and secularist attack on God in an address he gave yesterday, January 25. “We cannot help but express our grief for this propaganda that distorts the image of God and presents Him as a likely invention of men who keeps them from living their lives in peace,” the Cardinal said. “Warping the truth about God, ridiculing His love, is truly an infringement on the cause of mankind.”
He also mentioned that “using public areas to insult God in the presence of believers is an abuse and an infringement on the right to religious freedom.” Thus, he asks the authorities to “protect the citizens' rights, so that they may not have to face disrespectful treatment or attacks as a result of their religious convictions.”
“May we know how to bear these attacks against our faith with sobriety and meekness, asking that the spirit of fortitude may inspire us to make a sincere contribution to the common good with love for the truth, manifest in our testimony and courageous expression!,” the Cardinal concluded. (RG) (Agenzia Fides 26/01/2009)
