Opposition to euthanasia "unavoidable duty", Archbishop says

Madrid, Spain, Nov 9, 2004 / 22:00 pm

Archbishop Antonio Cañizares Llovera of Toledo, Spain, said this week his pubic statements against euthanasia constitute an “unavoidable duty” to teach the truth and authentically serve society.

The Archbishop said his role was to show Christians “the truth of the faith and of Christian morality” and to serve society, because “if I were quiet, I would be going against this society” and against man.

Speaking to reporters, Archbishop Cañizares Llovera said measures that would legalize euthanasia, widen access to abortion and research with human embryos, are not in the interest of mankind.

He added that while he respected the non-sectarian nature of the State, it presupposes that “all confessions and beliefs be respected,” including the Catholic Church, which sometimes seems to be only the voice “not allowed to speak.”

Civil baptism: extreme stupidity

Asked about his opinion on the celebration of what some are calling “civil baptisms,” the Archbishop stated, “To call this baptism is extreme stupidity.”

This past Sunday, officials in Catalonia celebrated the first “Ceremony of the imposition of a name” for a new born.  During the celebration, which has its roots in the French Revolution, the mayor of Igualada read excerpts from the UN Charter for the Human Rights of Children, as well as excerpts from the Spanish Constitution that refer to education, with the purpose of welcoming children into democratic principles.