Rome, Italy, Nov 30, 2009 / 22:02 pm
The Bishops of Poland have joined in the chorus of outrage over a ruling by the EU Human Rights Court in Strasbourg that ordered all crucifixes be removed from schools in Italy. The Polish bishops echoed the sentiments of numerous government officials from various countries, and even of one young Muslim writer.
Gathered for their plenary assembly in Czstochowa, the bishops expressed their protest “against the ruling by the Strasbourg court regarding the symbol of the cross” and rejected “the gestures of hostility that, on this occasion, have taken place in Poland against this symbol, reported the Polish Catholic information agency KAI.”
The ruling does not currently apply to the northern European nation, but it could bring about a revision of its laws governing the public display of symbols, including those in state-run schools.
Crucifixes were only just reinstalled in public areas in Poland following the end of communism there in 1989. The cross had been absent since the Nazis occupied the country in 1939.
According to L’Osservatore Romano, the bishops said the crucifix “is not only a sacred sign for all Christians but also an important element of European cultural identity, among the symbols of many countries and organizations.”
Subscribe to our daily newsletter
At Catholic News Agency, our team is committed to reporting the truth with courage, integrity, and fidelity to our faith. We provide news about the Church and the world, as seen through the teachings of the Catholic Church. When you subscribe to the CNA UPDATE, we'll send you a daily email with links to the news you need and, occasionally, breaking news.
As part of this free service you may receive occasional offers from us at EWTN News and EWTN. We won't rent or sell your information, and you can unsubscribe at any time.
Click hereOur mission is the truth. Join us!
Your monthly donation will help our team continue reporting the truth, with fairness, integrity, and fidelity to Jesus Christ and his Church.
Donate to CNA