Texas faith: What relevance does Pope Francis have beyond the Catholic Church?

Is Pope Francis relevant?

Thanks to Pope Francis for emphasizing, as the Washington Post said, “A Gospel teaching that may become the touchstone of his papacy: mercy.” These are the most inspiring words in a world that has placed mercy on the mantel. We pray a new norm of religion emerges: mercy. Muslims are particularly excited about Pope Francis’ message of mercy. He is one of the best representations of the teachings of Jesus Christ (my pluralist mentor) and Muslims can relate with him.  Indeed Prophet Muhammad is called “Rahmatul Aalameen – a Mercy to mankind”.

URL - http://theghousediary.blogspot.com/2013/08/texas-faith-what-relevance-does-pope.html

TEXAS FAITH: What relevance does Pope Francis have beyond the Catholic Church?
By Bill McKenzie / Editorial Columnist | 4:23 pm on August 6, 2013 |

Pope Francis made quite a splash when he said last week in response to a question about a priest being gay: “If someone is gay and he searches for the Lord and has good will, who am I to judge?”

As you may expect, there has been plenty of discussion about what the pope meant. Was he speaking personally? Was he speaking as head of the Catholic Church? Or was he speaking as both?

Beyond those remarks, the pope has received ample attention for the simplicity of his lifestyle, his attitude toward the poor and his humility in washing the feet of criminal offenders. In fact, those are just some of the areas in which the pope has gained attention, as this Washington Post editorial indicates.

Of course, his remarks, attitude and approach have a special audience among Catholics. But what relevance do they have to non-Catholics? The Catholic Church may be the world’s largest body of Christians, but what about other Christians and the many other faith traditions? What difference do comments from the pope make to them — as well as to non-believers?

MIKE GHOUSE, President, Foundation for Pluralism, Dallas, and speaker on interfaith issues

Thanks to Pope Francis for emphasizing, as the Washington Post said, “A Gospel teaching that may become the touchstone of his papacy: mercy.” These are the most inspiring words in a world that has placed mercy on the mantel. We pray a new norm of religion emerges: mercy.

Pope Francis continues to earn the role of world’s religious leadership. On March 13, on behalf of the World Muslim congress, I welcomed him, “I hope he heralds a new beginning for building a better world. In behalf of the people of faith or no faith, and my faith Islam, I welcome the Pope and make myself available to jump at his call for creating peace in the world, where no human has to live in fear of the others, let the world be the new kingdom of heaven where we all feel safe and secure with each other. Amen.”

Unlike all his predecessors, he is relevant to non-Catholics. “He is a man of dialogue, a man who is able to build bridges with other faiths,’ says World Jewish Congress President Ron Lauder. Padma Kuppa of the Hindu America Foundation says: “Pope Francis offers a great opportunity for the Church to build meaningful and substantive relations with a billion Hindus.” Similarly, Protestants, Sikhs, Buddhists, and others see a lot of hope in the Pope. I believe he will heal the wounds of Native Americans as well natives of the world.

Since Adam, his message to gays and lesbians is one of the most powerful statements ever delivered by a world leader other than President Obama. “If someone is gay and he searches for the Lord and has good will, who am I to judge?” This is precisely what surrendering to God means.

Atheists and non-believers are part of his family now. As one observer put it, “Pope Francis has good news for atheists. Jesus died and was raised for them as well. His redemptive embrace was for all, not just a chosen few.”

Muslims are particularly excited about Pope Francis’ message of mercy. He is one of the best representations of the teachings of Jesus Christ (my pluralist mentor). Indeed Prophet Muhammad is called “Rahmatul Aalameen – a Mercy to mankind”.

He brought freedom to humanity, freed the slaves, women were restored their rights to be free individuals. He taught that all are created equal in the eyes of God, and the humility became the foundation of all of the Muslim religious practices, including ritual prayers, fasting, obligatory tithe along with performing the Hajj Pilgrimage.

He enjoined us that “if any one eats a full meal when his neighbor is hungry or starving, then he is not from among us.” He never said “Muslim neighbor.” He loved humanity and asked Muslims to be role models of mercy, charity, kindness, concern and love to all.

To read the other ten panelists thoughts, please go to Dallas Morning News at :  http://religionblog.dallasnews.com/2013/08/texas-faith-what-relevance-does-pope-francis-have-beyond-the-catholic-church.html/