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The Cardinal and the Bondi Boy
by cleaves Sunday, Jun 25 2006, 1:47pm
international / social equality/unity / article

Just prior to the appointment of Ratzinger to Pontiff, I happened to cross the path of Cardinal George Pell in Pitt Street, Sydney, early one evening. I couldn’t help (politely) inquiring of him whether he was a man of God. He responded, much to my amazement, “I don’t know about, ‘man of God’, I am a Catholic Priest!” Regardless of anything previously stated by various commentators, his answer to me was forthright, candid and accurate (by his own admission). I was somewhat disarmed by his candour and manner, which was in contrast to his bearing and physical stature, he is a huge man around 6’ 5”, I would guess.

Cardinal Pell

[A few days earlier I had lamented the seeming impossibility of a single small voice in today’s society being offered the opportunity of a hearing with a person of influence – but here I was in polite conversation with a Cardinal!] I shuffled through the notes in my shoulder bag but could only find an article titled “Disintegration”, which I politely asked him to read – I would rather have offered, “The Singularity of Being”, (link below) a philosophical/theological paper on the similarity at the heart of all religions. He nonetheless graciously accepted the only paper I had available and promised to read it; based on impressions received from this brief encounter I had no reason to doubt that he wouldn’t. It dawned on me that men do not make it to the position of Cardinal or any other position of humanitarian responsibility without certain characteristics and attributes which were quietly apparent in this literal giant of a man.

It is easy to criticise, especially people in positions of influence, but this chance encounter resulted in me adopting a more considered and broader approach to various issues in life. I now delay my most vehement criticism until after I have considered the position of my target opponent. It seems the Cardinal and I have something in common, the present minister for health, Tony Abbott, Mr. Bird(tami)flu alarmist or Mr. RU486 abortion pill, whichever appellation you prefer.

It is easy to forget the most infamous exploit of this sordid Howard lackey, the political assassination and subsequent jailing of a far right politician who was interfering with the party political support-base of the Australian Liberal Party, Ms. Neo-fascist, Pauline Hanson. It was later determined that Ms. Hanson was falsely imprisoned but the mission to eliminate her from the Australian political landscape was accomplished by Abbott; her ultra-right supporters have since been absorbed into the far right Howard camp.

Cardinal Pell, if you would be the first Australian Pope, it may hinge on your attitude toward theology and not the temporal affairs of State (the history of the Catholic Church notwithstanding). Sir, would it not be preferable to hearken to the essential message of your God of Love, not the sordid affairs of State. Remember to render unto Caesar what is his and remember that your future may rely on rendering unto your God what is His – it was your Saviour who clearly delineated between Church and State, should you not follow His lead?

All best wishes for the future and Peace.

I am not Catholic but we are all ONE, nevertheless!

See:
http://cleaves.zapto.org/clv/newswire.php?story_id=9