Benedict XVI says false religions enrich public life and teaches the heresy of religious freedom

By Bro. Michael Dimond, O.S.B.
Read more of Benedict XVI’s Recent Heresies

Benedict XVI, Discourse to 200 Representatives of five different religious communities: Jews, Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, and Jains, at an Ecumenical Meeting at the John Paul II Cultural Center, April 17, 2008:

“This Country has a long history of cooperation between different religions in many spheres of public life. Interreligious prayer services during the national feast of Thanksgiving, joint initiatives in charitable activities… I encourage all religious groups in America to persevere in their collaboration and thus enrich public life with the spiritual values that motivate your action in the world… This institution [the John Paul II Cultural Center] reminds us of this Nation’s conviction that all people should be free to pursue happiness in a way consonant with their nature as creatures endowed with reason and free will. Americans have always valued the ability to worship freely and in accordance with their conscience. Alexis de Tocqueville, the French historian and observer of American affairs, was fascinated with this aspect of the nation. He remarked that this is a Country in which religion and freedom are “intimately linked” in contributing to a stable democracy… The transmission of religious traditions to succeeding generations not only helps to preserve a heritage; it also sustains and nourishes the surrounding culture in the present day… I have noticed a growing interest among governments to sponsor programs intended to promote interreligious and intercultural dialogue. These are praiseworthy initiatives… In the Judeo-Christian tradition, the Psalms are full of such expressions: “My spirit is overwhelmed with me… May the followers of all religions stand together in defending and promoting life and religious freedom everywhere. By giving ourselves generously to this sacred task – through dialogue and countless small acts of love, understanding and compassion – we can be instruments of peace for the whole human family. Peace upon you all!” (L’ Osservatore Romano, April 23, 2008, p. 9.)

First, he says that all religious groups (all different religions) enrich public life with their spiritual values – heresy. Second, he praises the heretical idea that all people should have the right to worship freely in accordance with their conscience – heresy. Third, he states that “the transmission of religious traditions to succeeding generations not only helps to preserve a heritage; it also sustains and nourishes the surrounding culture in the present day” – heresy. Fourth, he asks that “the followers of all religions stand together in defending and promoting life and religious freedom everywhere” – heresy. He then states that defending and promoting religious freedom is a “sacred task” – heresy. This is what is called a heretical speech by an antipope.

Benedict XVI’s Recent Heresies

The Heresies of Benedict XVI file