While applauding the recognition by the European Court of Human Rights of the right of a British airline employee to wear a cross on her uniform, the Vatican lamented the court’s denial of the full right of conscientious objection in other cases involving claims of religious discrimination in the United Kingdom. The court on Jan. 15 dismissed cases brought by a British relationships counselor fired after he objected to offering therapy to same-sex couples, a registrar who objected to presiding over same-sex civil partnership ceremonies and a nurse forced from her job for wearing a cross in breach of uniform policy. Archbishop Dominique Mamberti, the Vatican secretary for relations with states, said on Jan. 16 that the cases demonstrate how “questions relating to freedom of conscience and religion are complex,” in particular in European society, marked by religious diversity and “the corresponding hardening of secularism.” But “regarding morally controversial subjects, such as abortion or homosexuality, freedom of consciences must be respected,” the archbishop said.
E.U. Decision Lamented
Show Comments (
)
Comments are automatically closed two weeks after an article's initial publication. See our comments policy for more.
The latest from america
In a long life as a priest, teacher and scholar, Ladislas Orsy, S.J., left an impressive legacy at his death last week at the age of 103.
When asked if we could expect other such surprises in the coming days, Dr. Sergio Alfieri responded: “I do not rule out that the Holy Father will give us other surprises. We know him.”
I'm hoping that a softer approach to these 40 days will help prepare me for the more difficult ones I know are coming.
Russell Brand, a British actor and comedian who promoted the Hallow prayer app and interviewed Bishop Robert E. Barron, has been charged with rape and other sexual offenses.