Bolivia's President Demands Change in His Country's RC Church

[catbert836]

Bolivian President Evo Morales has called for change within the country's Catholic Church, accusing it of acting as in the "times of the Inquisition".

Mr Morales said Catholic leaders should understand the need for freedom of religion and belief.

His government recently announced plans to teach a range of religions in schools, as well as native traditions.

Church leaders have opposed the planned changes, calling on Catholics to defend their faith.

The archbishop of Santa Cruz, Cardinal Julio Terrazzas, said on Sunday that Catholics were being "passive" in the face of Mr Morales' planned changes.

"Great wars begin with small theories... with this discourse of hate, of rancour, of unforgiveness," he said.

On Sunday the country's education minister, Felix Patzi, said Catholic leaders were "lying" over claims that the government was aiming to destroy the Church.

However, he said the planned changes would allow Bolivians to break down "ethnic borders" that have marginalised native traditions for more than 500 years, the Associated Press reported.

"I want to ask the hierarchies that they understand freedom of religion and beliefs in our country," Mr Morales said.

"It's not possible to impose their views. I am very worried by the behaviour of some Catholic Church leaders, who act like in the time of the Inquisition."

More--> http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/5215404.stm

[SPKrazy]

1. Best Reasons For Separation Of Church And State

how does one decide which religion is the state religion unless it is the religion of the majority

since the fundies aren't the majority, I wonder how long it would take for them to realize that their children were being taught about religion by someone who wasn't of their faith?

separation of Church and State is like the bread and butter of our country's foundation

that's why we literally fought a war over that, and the idea of taxation without representation

[DanCa]

2. Can we switch Presidents....please.(nt)