I found it interesting to look at the World Youth Day's website, and their official media player , yesterday evening. Videos of the opening Mass (the whole thing ...) have already been posted. You might find it best to look at the highlights video, in which you can find the welcome speech by Mr Rudd, the Australian Prime Minister. The speech is reported at Zenit, under the title Prime Minister notes Faith-Reason Partnership. I think it is worth watching it on video, rather than just reading the news report or a text. I think it is very interesting as a genuine exercise of dialogue with the Catholic Church by a political leader.
I think there are three noteworthy aspects of Prime Minister Rudd's speech. The first is his emphasis, and I felt there was an emphasis on this in his speech, that the World Youth Day pilgrims are welcome in Australia. This is a valuable counter to those who may undertake anti-Catholic protests during the coming days.
The second is his observation about the partnership of faith and reason:
This observation can clearly be seen in the context of Pope Benedict XVI's own interest in the relationship between faith and reason, an interest which is a prominent feature of his pontificate. It is a welcome participation in dialogue to see the theme being picked up by the leader of a nation such as Australia. I think, too, that a greater exploration of Prime Minister Rudd's last sentence would be useful. He seems to suggest that it is faith that contributes the humanity to our history and future, faith that makes science (cold, hard) human (warm, good). Pope Benedict would have something to say about this.
The third noteworthy aspect is what Prime Minister Rudd said about the contribution of Christianity in the world.
He then highlighted that it was the Church that first opened schools, hospitals and social action for the poor.
One slight note of caution, perhaps, about exactly what Prime Minister Rudd understands by the word "faith". It is not completely clear that he understands the word in a truly religious sense; and his references to "Christianity" and to the "Church" are sufficiently open to refer to Christian denominations other than Catholicism as well as to Catholicism. He does not necessarily see them as "religious" rather than "social" - but nevertheless, I think he has engaged in a dialogue in a proper and encouraging way. What he says about Christianity can be fairly said of all Christian denominations, including Catholicism. His final affirmation is particularly welcome and courageous given the focus of media attention on things that are, or have been, wrong in the Church.
I think there are three noteworthy aspects of Prime Minister Rudd's speech. The first is his emphasis, and I felt there was an emphasis on this in his speech, that the World Youth Day pilgrims are welcome in Australia. This is a valuable counter to those who may undertake anti-Catholic protests during the coming days.
The second is his observation about the partnership of faith and reason:
"Some say there is no place for faith in the 21st century. I say they are wrong. Some say that faith is the enemy of reason, I say, also they are wrong. Because faith and reason are great partners in our human history and in our human future. Rich in humanity, rich in scientific progress."
This observation can clearly be seen in the context of Pope Benedict XVI's own interest in the relationship between faith and reason, an interest which is a prominent feature of his pontificate. It is a welcome participation in dialogue to see the theme being picked up by the leader of a nation such as Australia. I think, too, that a greater exploration of Prime Minister Rudd's last sentence would be useful. He seems to suggest that it is faith that contributes the humanity to our history and future, faith that makes science (cold, hard) human (warm, good). Pope Benedict would have something to say about this.
The third noteworthy aspect is what Prime Minister Rudd said about the contribution of Christianity in the world.
"Some say only that which they see wrong in Christianity and in the Church, I say let us speak also about what is right in Christianity and the Church."
He then highlighted that it was the Church that first opened schools, hospitals and social action for the poor.
"And I say this, that Christianity has been an overwhelming force for good in the world."
One slight note of caution, perhaps, about exactly what Prime Minister Rudd understands by the word "faith". It is not completely clear that he understands the word in a truly religious sense; and his references to "Christianity" and to the "Church" are sufficiently open to refer to Christian denominations other than Catholicism as well as to Catholicism. He does not necessarily see them as "religious" rather than "social" - but nevertheless, I think he has engaged in a dialogue in a proper and encouraging way. What he says about Christianity can be fairly said of all Christian denominations, including Catholicism. His final affirmation is particularly welcome and courageous given the focus of media attention on things that are, or have been, wrong in the Church.
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