Briefing. This seems like a flash-back to the 1970s. But these 'justice and peace' people still exist, and are being manned by religious orders and funded by the dioceses: see our dossier on 'Pax Christi' (which links to Catholic Worker's website).If the war if Afganistan is unjust, it is certainly not obviously so. British and other troops are supporting an elected government against fanatical and terroristic opponents. Allowing the Taliban to take over again would recreate the conditions for the Sept 11th attacks, the savage persecution of Christians (and Shia muslims), and some very nasty abuse of women's rights. Is that what Fr Newell, a Passionist, wants? Is it for that he was ordained? That's him in the picture. See their press release: it says he served seven days in Pentonville.
From The Tablet (10/1/09): A Catholic priest has been arrested after a protest at a military base outside London. Fr Martin Newell, from the Catholic Worker community, cut through a perimeter fence at Northwood Permanent Joint Headquarters and entered the base to pray. Other members of the community held a vigil at the front entrance, reading the names of British and Afghani war dead. Fr Newell served time in prison last year after refusing to pay fines for similar action at an international arms fair and at the Ministry of Defence.
4 comments:
"British and other troops are supporting an elected government against fanatical and terroristic opponents"
What utter rubbish!
Well done Fr Newell, (the only authentic Catholic featured in this blog)
Glad you don't think that Pax Christi and the other dissenters featured here are 'authentic Catholics'.
And it is also reassuring that all you can offer in way of criticism is abuse ('rubbish!') rather than reasoned argument.
This action, arrest and speaking truth to power are very much inline with the actions and life of Jesus Christ.
It seems very strange to me that a blog entitled "Catholic Action" would not approve of this action by Fr Martin Newell.
What is your complaint? That he is not Catholic? Or that he has not taken an Action? That his Action is not Catholic? That it is not a Christian Action? Or that a Christian action is not a Catholic action as you define and limit the meaning of the term?
I would be interested in your reply. Also in your own reply to the question that you have asked of readers "Is this what he was ordained for?" - What do you think?
Oh right, 'speaking truth to power.' It's just terribly convenient that the entire liberal intelligencia would agree with him. Not too exposed, is he?
Unlike on the issue of abortion, upon which you will find NOTHING on the international Catholic Worker website. A lot of truth being spoken to power there, I see.
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