Pope criticises Labour’s equality laws
By Mark Greaves

5 February 2010

Pope Benedict XVI addresses the Bishops of England and Wales at the end of the ad limina visit (Photographic Service, L'Osservatore Romano)

Pope Benedict XVI has criticised Labour's equality legislation in a remarkably direct speech to English and Welsh bishops at the end of their ad limina visit to Rome.

He said the legislation put unjust limits on religious freedom and "in some respects actually violates the natural law".

He made the remark just moments after he confirmed that he would be visiting Britain this year.

The Pope said: "Your country is well known for its firm commitment to equality of opportunity for all members of society. Yet as you [the bishops] have rightly pointed out, the effect of some of the legislation designed to achieve this goal has been to impose unjust limitations on the freedom of religious communities to act in accordance with their beliefs. In some respects it actually violates the natural law upon which the equality of all human beings is grounded and by which it is guaranteed."

The Pope was meeting the bishops for the first time since the English and Welsh Church lost control of its adoption agencies. The Sexual Orientation Regulations, passed in 2007, compelled agencies to place children with same-sex couples, forcing Catholic adoption agencies to close down or break ties with the Church.

His comments also came a week after the House of Lords rejected parts of the Equality Bill that could have forced the Church to ordain women, sexually active gay people and transsexuals.

Pope Benedict urged the bishops to "continue to insist upon your right to participate in national debate through respectful dialogue with other elements in society".

The Pope's speech, described by one influential Vatican watcher as "blunt", also warned bishops not to overlook dissent among the faithful. "In a social milieu that encourages the expression of a variety of opinions on every question that arises, it is important to recognise dissent for what it is, and not to mistake it for a mature contribution to a balanced and wide-ranging debate," he said. "It is the truth revealed through scripture and tradition and articulated by the Church's Magisterium that sets us free."

The Pope said that if "the full saving message of Christ is to be presented effectively and convincingly", the Catholic community - including the bishops - must speak "with a united voice".

At the end of his speech the Pope asked the bishops to "be generous" in implementing Anglicanorum Coetibus, the new provision for Anglicans who wish to enter into full communion with Rome.

He said: "I am convinced that, if given a warm and open-hearted welcome, such groups will be a blessing for the entire Church."

The Pope's speech was portrayed in some parts of the media as unwarranted interference in British domestic affairs. Archbishop Vincent Nichols of Westminster was asked on the BBC's Today programme if the Pope "should be getting involved in the politics of another country".

The Archbishop said: "The way our public life is organised is something to which everybody has the right to contribute. He's certainly not getting engaged in party politics, and I hope no headline writer would suggest that. But he wants his reasoned voice - formed by the treasures of the Christian heritage, which is deeply embedded in our culture - he wants that voice to be heard. It's a reasoned voice and I think he has every right to express the concerns of many."

He said the Pope's comments "would find an echo for many in our country who are uneasy of the perhaps unintended consequences of recent legislation to drive religious belief and practice into the private sphere only".

Rocco Palmo, an influential American blogger, suggested the Pope had effectively given the English and Welsh bishops their "marching orders" - to "teach, obey, unite". He said: "The text of the Pope's ad limina speech to the English and Welsh bishops has dropped - and, in a word, it's unusually short. And just as blunt."

At a press conference after the speech Archbishop Nichols confirmed that the Pope's remarks on equality legislation were related to the closure of Catholic adoption agencies. "There are 4,000 adoption agencies in England and Wales _- seven or eight Catholic agencies wanted to act in accordance with Catholic teaching," he said. "We thought it was disproportionate for those seven or eight to be pushed out of business when there were all those others open."

During his address the Pope confirmed that he would visit England. Details of his schedule are still being arranged but he is expected to address MPs and peers on the issue of religious freedom from the spot in Westminster Hall where St Thomas More, the former Lord Chancellor, was condemned to death in 1535 for opposing the adultery of King Henry VIII.

He is also expected to preside over the beatification of the Victorian convert Cardinal John Henry Newman, and to deliver a speech at Oxford University.

"Even amid the pressures of a secular age, there are many signs of living faith and devotion among the Catholics of England and Wales," the Pope told the bishops.

"I am thinking, for example, of the enthusiasm generated by the visit of the relics of St Thérèse, the interest aroused by the prospect of Cardinal Newman's beatification, and the eagerness of young people to take part in pilgrimages and World Youth Days. On the occasion of my forthcoming Apostolic Visit to Great Britain, I shall be able to witness that faith for myself and, as Successor of Peter, to strengthen and confirm it.

"During the months of preparation that lie ahead, be sure to encourage the Catholics of England and Wales in their devotion, and assure them that the Pope constantly remembers them in his prayers and holds them in his heart."

A spokesman for the Government Equalities Office said: "The Pope acknowledges our country's firm commitment to equality for all members of society. We believe everyone should have a fair chance in life and not be discriminated against. The Equality Bill will make Britain a fairer and more equal place."