(U-WIRE) -I was raised Catholic, but I have mixed feelings about the legacy of Pope John Paul II.
On one hand, I respect his determination to strive for peace and human rights, and I acknowledge his many positive contributions to the world. But John Paul II's stubborn conservative views have pushed people further from the church, and it's time for this era to end.
It is a time to honor his efforts for peace, but it is also an opportunity for Catholic leaders to take progressive steps toward ending hypocrisy within the religion and gain back followers.
John Paul II did much to facilitate peace around the globe. The pope helped to restore democracy and spread religious freedom to Eastern Europe. He traveled to Asia, Africa and South America to spread messages of peace, equality and freedom.
He worked on repairing damages between religions, emphasizing reconciliation between Jews and Christians -notably apologizing for the church's refusal to act during the Holocaust. Recently, he also spoke out against the United States' pre-emptive invasion of Iraq. I respect him for those views and for his efforts to maintain peace. Yet, I was often frustrated by his refusal to recognize women as equals and by his damnation of homosexuals. John Paul II spoke of equality and acceptance, but his tenure showed Catholicism to be a male-centered religion that could not come to terms with human sexuality.
While small steps were made toward equality for women during John Paul II's 26 years, he did not allow women to gain power in the church. He maintained that the priesthood was only for men. That line of thought emphasizes a traditional mentality that women can contribute to society but are not capable of making decisions or leading except in a maternal role. Most American Catholics disagree with that stance, as 60 percent of U.S. Catholics said women should be allowed to become priests, according to a recent Associated Press poll. The next pope must be more progressive and acknowledge that women have a great deal to contribute to church leadership.
The Catholic attitude towards homosexuality is even more hypocritical. John Paul II called homosexuality a moral evil and a sin, which brands gays and lesbians as second-class citizens. The church preaches equality and acceptance but continues to act out against this minority population. Last year during the November election, the church donated more than $500,000 to support the passing of Proposal 2 in Michigan, which made gay marriage illegal and took away partner benefits. The new pope must be more accepting of all members of society and demand that church funds are used to help, not hinder, human beings.
Finally, the church's refusal to accept birth control and STD-prevention methods has also created a division and has led to unwanted pregnancies and disease. Many AIDS activists say that John Paul II's stance against condoms hurt the fight against AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases, especially in Africa. While abstinence should always be promoted, safer sex methods cannot be ignored in this era.
Seventy-eight percent of American Catholics agree that followers should be allowed to use birth control, according to a USA Today survey. The Catholic Church must accept that most of humanity does not see sex as merely a means of procreation.
The Catholic Church is fixed in its conservative ways and is losing followers because of its refusal to accept social progression. John Paul II grew up and formed ideas in a different era, so it is easy to understand why he did not accept social reform.
Still, when the white smoke rises from the Sistine Chapel, the Catholic Church needs to elect a more progressive leader who will lead the church into the 21st century.
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