As A Roman Catholic.............. (beliefs, homosexuality, translation, church, theist)

[michel]

I can't help but admit that I was dismayed when Ann Widdecombe MP (on the subject of whether Gays should be allowed to addopt children), yesterday said - near enough - "As a Roman Catholic, I cannot, in all conscience vote for some matter in politics that I know will conflict with my Religious views".

What do you think of her reaction ?

Is she a public servant first, and ought to be "out of the religion box" when deciding on legistlation ?

Is she right to use her Religion to influence how she votes ? If so, why/why not ?

[Djamila]

If people actually followed the teachings of their religion in dealing with legislation, I believe things would be much better - but I have a feeling that perhaps Widdecombe, like many others, is very selective about which religious teachings she allows to influence her views. I think abscure, mistranslations about homosexuality are probably much more important for her to uphold than the ten commandments.

[michel]

Originally Posted by Djamila

If people actually followed the teachings of their religion in dealing with legislation, I believe things would be much better - but I have a feeling that perhaps Widdecombe, like many others, is very selective about which religious teachings she allows to influence her views. I think abscure, mistranslations about homosexuality are probably much more important for her to uphold than the ten commandments.

So you find it acceptable that a public servanr should be swayed by personal views (which happen, in this case to be religious ones) ? You see, to me, that sounds "wrong".

To do her public service and duties correctly , I believe she should be "Totally impartial" when considering such subject - certainly not swayed by religious faith.
.........In theory.

[Djamila]

Originally Posted by michel

So you find it acceptable that a public servanr should be swayed by personal views (which happen, in this case to be religious ones) ? You see, to me, that sounds "wrong".

To do her public service and duties correctly , I believe she should be "Totally impartial" when considering such subject - certainly not swayed by religious faith.
.........In theory.

Well, I'm not really very familiar with the British system of government (though King Paddy was, I must say, quite a right honorable gentleman. Thank you, for him!).

I think it's important that voters understand why leaders make the decisions they do, because that gives them the ability to... forecast... what particular leaders are likely to do in situations in that matter to that particular voter.

For example, Azra Hadiahmetovic voted against the construction of a new Roman Catholic church in her district in the west end of town - quite a dangerous thing to do because the district she represents is at least 15/20 per cent Catholic. But she explained that plans were going on behind the scenes to completely rebuild the Stup church, destroyed during the war, and if voters were willing to be patient they could have back their historic church, and not some new, architectural monstrosity - and she got re-elected, lost a bit of support, but re-elected.

Also, I mean... this country has a Catholic, Muslim, and Orthodox Christian President - and highly influential Congresses representing Catholics, Muslims, Orthodox Christians, and Jews - so religion is a much bigger part of politics than in Britain, I imagine.

[michel]

I notice you haven't answered my question.........

[lunamoth]

I don't think we can ask or expect people to put aside their religious values when they hold public office. If she feels this way and votes her conscience, and also decides to state that publically, I disagree with her beliefs but think don't think it's a negligence or breach of her office. Now, if she is responding to pressure from Catholic leaders rather than her own conscience...different story...and exactly what irks me about refusing communion to Kerry during the last presidential campaign.

I don't know how it is in the UK, but in the US her voting record would be a matter of public record and if people disagreed with her, they would be able to voice this opinion and vote accordingly in the next election.

[michel]

I don't think we can ask or expect people to put aside their religious values when they hold public office

Perhaps politicians should be totally "open" about their religious afilliations when standing for election..

I am sorry,as a theist, I think it is wrong for her to allow her religious feelings to influence the way she helps run the Country (which is what it amounts to).

Religions are full of prejudice (by definition); I can't see that politicians should allow that prejudice into their public working life.

[Djamila]

Originally Posted by michel

I notice you haven't answered my question.........

I have as best I can. For me, it's an irrelevant question because it's expected that politicians will operate, at least vaguely, by the teachings of their religion.

It's like me asking you, do you believe the Jewish Congress should also have a member on the Presidency... it's just... a foreign concept, I'm sure, for you so it doesn't really matter if another country does it or not.

[Victor]

This one is a difficult one for me. On one end I completely understand her choice of voting her conscience. On the other hand, how can you leave out a certain group because of their sex? Can they go to another adopting agency? Or does it have to be catholic?

Remember if government wants any religiosity out of government, the government should stay out of religiosity. Unfortunately they are bound to clash on certain topics and one must make a decision. Either the government allows the decision, or they don’t.

~Victor

[michel]

Originally Posted by Djamila

I have as best I can. For me, it's an irrelevant question because it's expected that politicians will operate, at least vaguely, by the teachings of their religion.

It's like me asking you, do you believe the Jewish Congress should also have a member on the Presidency... it's just... a foreign concept, I'm sure, for you so it doesn't really matter if another country does it or not.

No; you're cheating!! Imagine that you have, personally, created a new country. That country has a population of mixed people. You will make the rules for the Government; would you allow politicians to use their religious beliefs in decision making? This is a "what if" scenario, because I am talking about -not what is going on, but maybe what should happen.