I haven't seen this on the list here, but I thought this was rather
encouraging news. I still think some of the best people I know are
ones who have the courage to admit when they are wrong. If only this
could have come with a lower price tag on the history books and our
conscience. May we take heed, and consider from the lessons of
history how to avert repeating this same self righteous folly.
--------------------------------------------------------------
>From the BBC website
http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/world/europe/newsid_646000/646617.stm
Celebrations are taking place in Rome for the 400th anniversary of a
Dominican monk whose execution is causing embarrassment to the contemporary
church.
Giordano Bruno was burnt at the stake on 17 February, 1600, for refusing to
recant his philosophical beliefs before the Catholic Church's Inquisition.
Anarchist groups are reading his death sentence and performing street
theatre, a local Rome school has adopted his statue and there will be a
parade in his honour in historical costume.
Bruno and others tortured and killed by the Inquisition will receive a
formal apology from the Catholic church next month.
Pope John Paul will publicly seek forgiveness for errors and injustices
committed by the church in a "Request for Forgiveness Day."
But the monk is unlikely to be rehabilitated by the church.
Cardinal Paul Poupard, chairman of the Vatican's cultural council, has said
Bruno's teachings are "incompatible" with Christian doctrine and it is not
possible to rehabilitate him.
Bruno scholar Anacleto Verrecchia told Italian newspaper Corriere della
Sera the Pope cannot rehabilitate the monk.
"Bruno's theory that the universe is eternal excludes the idea of a god
creator and is probably closer to Buddhism," he said.
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