Wednesday, December 03, 2008

The Catholic Bishops of England and Wales have lost their minds

Seriously. What is wrong with these people?

Muslim prayer rooms should be opened in every Roman Catholic school, church leaders have said.

The Catholic bishops of England and Wales also want facilities in schools for Islamic pre-prayer washing rituals.


The demands go way beyond legal requirements on catering for religious minorities.

what are the Islamic pre-prayer washing rituals you ask?

Wudhu involves washing the face, hands, arms and feet three times each, gargling the mouth three times and washing the neck and inside the nose and ears. Some Muslims also wash their private parts.

Islam teaches that Muslims are unfit for prayer if they have not performed Wudhu after breaking wind or using the toilet.

As it points out in the article, if a Muslim parent chooses to send their child to a Catholic school he can reasonably expect that Muslim traditions won't be adhered to. I suggest starting a Muslim school if they can't find one.

But beyond that, I think the Catholic Bishops across the pond have forgotten the purpose of Catholic schools. It is not only to provide academic instruction, but to teach our faith. Giving in to a belief that goes against what we believe in diminishes our message. As Catholics we are called to reach out to those, and show them the face of Christ. One of love, compassion, and forgiveness. A faith that teaches holiness and (what we believe) is the most honest and true path to God. How is that possible when we allow a religion to be practiced in our schools that goes against that? In allowing such a thing we give our stamp of approval to a religion that is the antithesis to what we believe.

It's beyond ridiculous. Muslims, or people of any religion, are free to practice their religion. But if you want your child to participate in your particular religion, send them to a religious school that practices that religion.