The Foreign Office has publicly apologised after an official document suggested Britain should mark the Pope's visit by asking him to open an abortion clinic, bless a gay marriage and launch a range of Benedict-branded condoms.
The document, obtained by a Sunday newspaper, also suggested Benedict XVI could show his hard line on the sensitive issue of child abuse allegations against Roman Catholic priests by "sacking dodgy bishops" and launching a helpline for abused children.
The ideas were included in a paper titled "The ideal visit would see..." which was distributed to officials in Whitehall and Downing Street preparing for the historic visit in September. A cover note said the paper stemmed from a brainstorming session and accepted that some of the ideas were "far-fetched".
Many of the proposals appeared to mock the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church on issues like abortion, homosexuality and contraception and the difficulties which it is currently experiencing over cases of child abuse.
The Foreign Office, though, apologised for what it described as a "foolish" document and said the individual responsible had been transferred to other duties. Foreign Secretary David Miliband was said to have been "appalled" to hear of the paper.
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Maybe the Holy See could leak a document suggesting that the Holy Father cancel the visit to the UK? Just a thought!
ReplyDeleteNo they don't. Minor civil servant mocks pope in email would be more like it. Hardly news.
ReplyDeleteDont be fooled into thinking that this is just a silly man doing a silly thing in an organisation that cultivates silliness. This is an important functionary. He was given the job of initiating the discussion, setting the agenda as it were. He was trusted to pick the direction, rough out the goals, aim towards some high points and some media gold moments. I know bureaucracy. The higher ups wouldn't have time or the inclination to scap his work and start again. No, they'd just keeping adding little comments to Mulvain's memo until it was worked up into something you could call an intinerary, and then it would go up to Ministerial level. Mulvain, when you think about it, had a heavy weight on his silly shoulders. This is the sort of man who was in charge of the Pope's visit. Why do you think his colleagues are any more professional? English Catholics, you must ask questions now! Who exactly is in charge of this visit? Do they have personal agendas? Are they competent? Do they realise the seriousness of anything happening to the Holy Father?
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