Blair meets Pope

Tony Blair had an audience with the Pope today. Apparently they discussed how "moderate voices" from the world's main religions need to work together to tackle extremism and reduce the risk of terrorism. I'm perplexed whether the Pope is currently wondering if "immoderate voices" in Christianity are at work steaming along with terrorist ideas. Probably not. It all seems like a wheeze on Blair's part to bring "the world's main religions" into some common bond where they all admit that they have a loony fringe! Then he can say to the Muslim world that they are not alone.

I'd also like to know how Blair guages a "moderate voice". His cabinet colleague Ruth Kelly has been attacked for being a member of Opus Dei, as some think this is inappropriate for her.

I'm not for one minute suggesting that all Christians are unblemished saints, but I do not think any are plotting a subversive attack using aeroplanes, cars, or trains to further a cause against those they believe to be infidels! A conference of world religions to help combat terrorism is one thing, but suggesting that "moderate voices in all the world's major religions need to stand up to religious extremism in all its forms" is blurring the facts indeed.

I hope the Pope smiled as sweetly as his guest!

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/5043182.stm

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