Submitted by Michael F Brennan, Dec 26, 2006 06:44

The New York Sun's editorial on Pope Benedict XVI's extraordinary visit to Turkey is concise, but 'gets' the crux of the struggles that are being waged by the Pope. Secularism is overwhelming much of the Western world at a time that we are being seriously challenged by forces who are convinced we have lost the foundation to resist. Much is at stake and miracles of transformation are needed. Can Islam respect freedom of religion and reciprocity? The Imams of Rochester NY publicly respect our Constituional guarantees as well as the U.N. Human Rights dogma. However, Islam enjoys freedoms that are brutally denied Christians, Jews, Hindus, etc. when Islam dominates. This reality will be most dangerous for Spain, France, England and many other nations in the foreseeable future. The demographics are changing quickly.

In addition, unity with "the other lung' as John Paul II called The Orthodox Church is probably crucial to help bolster western nations from the ideological giant of our times, an aggressive Muslim fundamentalism. Miracles of diplomacy born of dialogue are hoped for.

Michael F Brennan, Rochester New York

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