I hope you don't mind my coming in here.

[terrya]

I was raised Catholic. I left the church over 20 years ago. I won't go into the reasons here as to my leaving the church.

I would like to offer my condolences to you upon the death of John Paul II. I know the Vatican has not formally announced the death yet. But from what I've been reading, it's only a matter of time.

I'm gay, as some of you know. I have differed a great deal with this Pope and the Vatican over the Catholic Church's stance on homosexuality and same-sex marriage. But that can continue another day.

This Pope has done some good things. He opposed the war in Iraq and has been vociferous in his opposition...including to President Bush himself. This Pope has consistently opposed the death penalty (a position I wholeheartedly agree with) and in the early years of his Pontificate helped usher in democracy in Poland with his support of Solidarity and Lech Walesa. This Pope has done some good works. He is ultimately a man of peace.

Today is not the time for differences. Today is not the time for acrimony. I hope you will accept my condolences to you upon the death of Pope John Paul II.

Again, I hope you don't mind my coming in this group.

Thank you,
Terry

[Padraig18]

1. Thanks, Terry

Very classy!

:hug::loveya:

[Lavender Brown]

2. I didn't know this group existed until recently

I'm glad it is, and that you all are here. :grouphug:

[ChavezSpeakstheTruth]

3. Thank you Terry - as always you rise above and I love you

for it. :hug:

[AFSCME girl]

4. Thank you for your kind words, terrya..

they are very much appreciated....:hug:

AFSCME girl

[JohnKleeb]

5. Always welcome

I also differ with the pope on choice, gay rights, and same sex marriage and thank you for the kind words.

[XanaDUer]

6. Peace.

I am a former Catholic myself.

I am saddened by his illness and grave condition.

Thank you.

[JimmyJazz]

7. I feel the same way, Terry.

I'm not Catholic either and I totally agree with you. It's a great post :hug:

-Donna

[Celeborn Skywalker]

8. Thank you, Terry

[IronLionZion]

9. You're always welcome here Terry

thanks you for your condolences. The holy father really is a good man, a true man of peace and faith.

[deadparrot]

10. I agree.

I differ with the church's policies on abortion, gay rights, women's roles, Terri Schiavo, along with a myriad of other things. I can elaborate on my political decisions, but it's not necessary. Our archdiocese has recently been assigned an archbishop who told us that if we voted for Kerry, we were going to hell if we didn't confess, no exceptions. He has also begun procedures to remove girls from serving as altar servers. Our area has also had massive priest pedophilia (one of the priests was at my grade school while I was there and molested a friend I'd known since I was six), and the chuch has done little, if anything, to effect any sort of change.

I'm not whining; I just wanted to let you know why I've turned away...it will probably stay that way as long as the conservative side rules.

However, this pope is a good man. True, I disagree with some of what he says, but he has a true respect for life in all its forms, and I can fully respect that in a leader. He is kind, gentle, and has done countless things to help the poor and needy. He is a man of God, and hopefully he will be out of pain soon. He has done much good in his life, and I hope for a peaceful end to a prosperous existence.

Pope John Paul II is probably going home to God soon. And that is a good thing. :)

[Moloch]

11. Thank you, Terrya....

I am also gay and disagree greatly with the Pope's stance on gay issues but he has done so much good for so many that I must put that aside and pray for him.

[hedgehog]

12. Terrya - this is as much your home as it is anyone's, so sit down

and chat a while. I've heard that there is never really such a thing as an ex-Marine, an ex-Texan or an ex-Catholic. You're pissed off as hell with every right to be, but you're still family.

[Padraig18]

13. Agreed.

As Jed Clampett would say, come set a spell.

:pals:

[BigBearJohn]

14. Wow! can I relate to what you just said. I got chills. THANK YOU!

[Hans Delbrook]

16. I believe that too!

In all cases. A hearty welcome to all Catholics and friends here! :pals:

[Midlodemocrat]

15. Thank you, Terry.

Very kind words. I appreciate it.