Freedom of expression, strictly speaking, is not the same as freedom of opinion or belief. But opinions usually tend to express themselves, so no distinction will be made here between the two. "(It is) insanity (to believe) that the liberty of conscience and of worship is the inalienable right of every citizen ... that the citizens have the right to manifest openly and publicly their ideas, by word of mouth, through the Dress, or by any other means." (Gregory XVI "Mirari Vos") Two years later the same Pope had to list again the points of doctrine which were attacked by the Liberals: " ... the barrier must be erected against the wild license of opinions and speech ... the condemnation of an absolute liberty of conscience..." (Gregory XVI "Singulari Nos") It is clear that freedom of expression is not unlimited. Freedom of the Press in Particular is contrary to Christian doctrine. Vatican II says that man has a right to religious freedom. This change of attitude has been explained away through so-called "Evolution of Values" - a most unconvincing argument since an unchangeable principle is here involved, i.e., has Error the same rights as Truth? The reason for this apparent contradiction must be sought elsewhere. The plain truth is that the Church is now on the receiving end - persecuted by Communist governments. And since the Catholic Church is the true Church, it has indeed a right to religious freedom. Likewise, since non-Catholic denominations hold at least part of the truth, they too have a right to religious freedom in Communist States. But what of their freedom in a non-Communist state? Obviously, they cannot be coerced out of existence. Their juridical right to spread their doctrines may be tolerated for prudential reasons, but it cannot be regarded as a moral right. Nevertheless, one would have liked to see this distinction clearly formulated in the Vatican II Decree. But then, in the absence of an authoritative leadership, the Conciliar Fathers, whose views were conflicting on many questions, often resolved their differences through compromise and ambiguity. (See "Dignitatis Humanae")
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Comments are subject to deletion if they are not germane. I have no problem with a bit of colourful language, but blasphemy or depraved profanity will not be allowed. Attacks on the Catholic Faith will not be tolerated. Comments will be deleted that are republican (Yanks! Note the lower case 'r'!), attacks on the legitimacy of Pope Francis as the Vicar of Christ (I know he's a material heretic and a Protector of Perverts, and I definitely want him gone yesterday! However, he is Pope, and I pray for him every day.), the legitimacy of the House of Windsor or of the claims of the Elder Line of the House of France, or attacks on the legitimacy of any of the currently ruling Houses of Europe.