Vincent Nichols: loud and clear
We always knew Vincent Nichols would be the kind of church leader who rides to the sound of the guns, but few were expecting him to . Archbishop Nicols knows that 4.2 million Catholics in England and Wales constitute a serious body of public opinion. If that number of people could be mobilized into a letter-writing campaign in opposition to, for example, TV ads for abortion services, they would have to be taken very seriously. In predictably media-savvy terms, Archbishop Nicols says the public don't want abortion advertised 'alongside a packet of crisps'.
I must confess to liking the sound of Vincent Nichols. That's not to say I agree with everything he says, but who wouldn't welcome the arrival of a church leader who speaks clearly, says what he thinks, means what he says, and makes no apology for having a view with which others might disagree?
On the , the archbishop was asked about Tony Blair's recent interview with the gay magazine Attitude, in which Mr Blair argues that the Catholic Church needs to modernize it views on such issues as homosexuality. The archbishop's response? Essentially, he says, Tony Blair's a politician, but I'll take my lead on matters of faith and ethics from Pope Benedict. Some people may read that comment as equivalent to "Tony needs to remember he's not the Pope.'
Comment number 1.
At 11th Apr 2009, newsjock wrote:Thank the Good Lord that Vincent Nichols is prepared to speak out on behalf of his Church.
A refreshing and vital change to the populist humming and hawing that is emitted by the resident of Lambeth Palace.
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Comment number 2.
At 11th Apr 2009, nobledeebee wrote:Tony Blair thinks ha has joined some sort of quaint political party. All he has to do is get himself elected to a few committes, drum up some support, devise a snappy slogan and a new logo (crucifixion symbols are so old labour) and hey presto the whole package gets modernised. Boy is he in for a shock!
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Comment number 3.
At 22nd Apr 2009, Peter wrote:Vincent Nichols will make a vigorous and well argued case for Christianity generally. He is very good at rapid thought, ideal for defending the Faith in media interviews, and he will be a high profile leader. Excellent, we need a serious Theological challenge (from the Muslims as well, if coordinated with Christians making a formidable block on moral issues ) to the prevailing weak atheistic humanism of Parliament.
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