Letters

New Pope

Deidre Lyra

Contents - Jun 2005 - Buy a copy now Editorial: Corpus Christi - the Body of Christ Habemus Papam: Benedict XVI charts course as successor to John Paul II - Michael Gilchrist He was my Pope, too: a Lutheran's appreciation of John Paul II - Uwe Siemon-Netto News: The Church Around the World The Catholic Church's dissenters miss the boat - Chris Hilder Benedict XVI and liturgical reform - Dom Alcuin Reid OSB Mother Teresa's legacy continued at Georgetown University - Peter Reynolds Papal awards for WA Catholic politicians - Hugh Ryan The previous Pope Benedict and his quest for world peace - R.J. Stove Letters: John Paul the Great? - Patrick Ryan Letters: Papal election - Frank Bellet Letters: New Pope - Deidre Lyra Letters: Unchanging teachings - Greg O'Regan Letters: A true shepherd - Lynn Wise Letters: Another Parish - Peter Gilet Letters: Pre-Vatican II myths - Douglas V. Boyle Letters: Chavagnes College - Pascale Cotterill Letters: Outstanding education at Chavagnes College - Br John Moylan CFC, MA, MEd Letters: Revolt manifesto - P. Gartland Letters: Sanity? - Tom King Letters: Catholic schools - Kevin McBride Letters: Sponsorship request from Uganda - Joise Nasuna Letters: Kathmandu school - John E.J. Fetz Events: Solemnity of Sts Peter and Paul - Fraternity of St Peter Events: Juventutem WYD 2005 Cologne Pilgrimage - FSP Books: John Paul the Great, edited by William Oddie - John R. Barich (reviewer) Events: Catholic Doctors' Association Mass and Dinner Poetry: Sonnet on the Election of Pope Benedict XVI - Bruce Dawe Books: More Good Reading from AD Books Reflection: Cardinal Nguyen van Thuan: witness to the priesthood and Eucharist - Fr Dennis Byrnes

The coverage and tributes given by our local newspapers on the death of Pope John Paul II needs commendation, reflecting the life and work of a truly great man. He was a beacon of light, steadfastly upholding the teachings of the Catholic Church in a secular society.

Then there was speculation about his successor, with dissenters' hopes for changes in Church teachings on life issues, sexuality, women clergy, homosexuality, contraception or abortion granted prominence. Little mention was made that these have been the Church's teachings since time memorial and are not the whim of any Pope.

No one is forced to conform to Church teachings. If these do not suit or convince there is always the option of leaving. I am sure newcomers would be welcomed by the more liberal churches struggling to attract members. but they cannot change a guilty conscience .

DEIDRE LYRA (MRS)
Maidavale, WA

Reprinted from AD2000 Vol 18 No 5 (June 2005), p. 14