Archfather Speaks About Violence Against Asians in Europe and America

FIRENZE-NUOVA ROMA 5 March 2021 (NRom)

Sua Santità ed Eminenza l'Arcipadre ha fatto la seguente dichiarazione riguardo agli attacchi in corso contro i popoli asiatici in Europa e in America. 

His Holiness and Eminence the Archfather made the following statement regarding ongoing attacks against Asian people in Europe and America. 

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Carissimi, è con grande tristezza che Noi denunciamo i continui attacchi contro gli asiatici in tutto il mondo, che sono cresciuti di intensità nel corso del 2020 e continuano ancora oggi. Il razzismo in generale, non solo contro gli asiatici, è un problema globale di lunga data. La pandemia di COVID-19, considerand le apparenti origini geografiche del virus, ha purtroppo stimolato un drammatico aumento degli attacchi agli asiatici. Tali attacchi si verificano sia in Europa che nelle Americhe. La popolazione asiatica è stata brutalmente aggredita e persino uccisa. Le loro proprietà sono state spesso vandalizzate. Secondo un rapporto pubblicato dalle Nazioni Unite nel 2020, circa il 32% degli americani e il 60% degli asiatici americani hanno osservato persone asiatiche incolpate della pandemia di coronavirus. 

Non è giusto né semplicemente attribuire la colpa di una pandemia ai piedi di un particolare individuo semplicemente a causa della sua razza, etnia, colore della pelle, o origine nazionale. In effetti, tale violenza e altre azioni contro chiunque anche in circostanze generali dovute semplicemente a motivi di razza, etnia, colore della pelle, o origine nazionale sono un'offesa contro la comunione cristiana e un insulto a Dio. 

Esortiamo il popolo cristiano a testimoniare l'amore di Cristo per tutti gli uomini e a promuovere la sua rettitudine e giustizia qui sulla terra. Allo stesso modo, chiediamo al popolo cristiano di promuovere il perdono e la riconciliazione, per non ignorare le nostre mancanze, e non tentare di sostenerci per condannando le colpe degli altri.

ENGLISH TEXT: 

Carissimi, it is with great sadness that We report the ongoing attacks on Asian people around the world, which grew in intensity during 2020 and continues to this day. Racism in general, not only against Asians, is a long-standing global problem. The COVID-19 pandemic, given the apparent geographic origins of the disease, have unfortunately spurred a dramatic increase in attacks on Asians. Such attacks happen both in Europe and in the Americas. Asian people have been brutally attacked and even killed. Their property has often been vandalised. According to a report issued by the United Nations in 2020, approximately 32% of Americans and 60% of Asian Americans observed Asian people being blamed for the coronavirus pandemic. 

It is neither right nor just to lay blame for a pandemic at the feet of a particular individual simply because of their race, ethnicity, skin colour, or national origin. Indeed, such violence and other actions against anyone even in general circumstances due simply to reasons of race, ethnicity, skin colour, or national origin is an offense against Christian fellowship and an insult to God. 

We call on Christian people to witness to the love of Christ for all people and promote his righteousness and justice here on earth. Similarly, We call on the Christian people to promote forgiveness and reconciliation, lest we ignore our own failings and attempt to build ourselves up by condemning the faults of others.

Reflections for the Second Week of Lent by His Holiness and Eminence the Archfather

FIRENZE-NUOVA ROMA 1 March 2021 (NRom)

Reflections for the Second Week of Lent
by 
His Holiness and Eminence the Archfather

Carissimi, 

in the epistle lesson for the second Sunday of Lent, the Apostle Paul gives several admonitions. Among those is that we should not overreach or circumvent our brother in business, for the Lord is the avenger thereof. In this present period in world history, it seems that the notion of leaving everyone alone to provide for themselves and their families has been lost as humanity turns further and further away from God. While it is absolutely true that neither communism or socialism in any form are compatible with the Christian faith, so also is it true that nationalism and excessive, extreme capitalism are likewise incompatible with the Christian faith.

We as Christians must not worship money or at the altar of commerce, for as our Lord tells us, no man may serve two masters. Money is indeed a tool to provide for the needs and even appropriate wants for ourselves and our families, and it is a tool to do good in the world. If we seek money for its own sake, corporate dominance as a purpose to itself, and ever-larger market shares, then we have lost our way as individuals and as a society. While appropriate competition can have many benefits, trying to put one’s competition out of business is plainly wrong. In some cases, survival indeed mandates a legitimate defence in commerce, just as we may legitimately protect our bodies. Yet, if we harm the body of another out of desire and not necessity, and we would not wish harm upon another if we could not find another way, even in defence of ourselves, then we sin against our brethren and against God. Similarly, if we do harm to others in business and in labour when it is not necessary in legitimate defence, or if it is necessary in legitimate defence, but we would not wish to find another way sincerely if it were possible, then we likewise sin against our fellow man and against God.

The rampant excesses of extreme capitalism in the Western world have reached new heights during the pandemic of last year that is now extending into the current year. Particularly due to government measures, massive corporations are making windfall gains, and others are going out of business, with so many people losing their businesses and the jobs, deprived of their rights to provide for their families. Indeed, depriving workers of their just wages is a sin rightly crying out to heaven for vengeance. What is being done to countless people around the world right now is just that. It was happening before, and the pandemic has made it dramatically worse. 

It is often said in excuse for this extreme capitalism that it is that very form of commerce and economic structure that has provided so many material benefits for society and even has furthered the ability to do so much good around the world. While there is indeed some truth to that, such benefits are not an excuse for wrong – and it is hardly true that such tactics are indeed necessary to generate benefits and to do good. Additionally, neither is the cure for extreme excessive forms of capitalism the evils of communism and socialism. These days, society is actually getting whiplash from bouncing back and forth between extremes.

To the Christian faithful who have their eyes open, the answer is very clear. It is only through the application of the faith of Christ that we may reach a free market economy that allows as many people as possible to have as much control as possible over their own financial future. Some may challenge this by saying that we can never achieve full independence in terms of the ability to provide for oneself and one’s family. Yet, that also is not even remotely an excuse for not employing appropriate, ethical, Christian principles to the economy as Christian people. This approach We propose is not another panacea such as those that so many revolutionaries from the 18th century to the present time have promised to justify their intolerable violence and the chaos they cause, only to have a new system that is no better and is even often worse than the one it replaced. Rather, this is the tried-and-true peaceful Way of Christ. That we may not achieve a full realisation of this does not in any way reduce the merit of trying to the best of our abilities.

Ethiopian Christian Massacred -- Archfather Comments

By Jean DuBois 

FIRENZE-NUOVA ROMA 27 February 2021 (NRom) 

Late last November, many religious pilgrims arrived to the Maryam Dengelet church in Ethiopia for the Orthodox holy festival to mark the day on which many believe that the Ark of the Covenant was brought there from Jerusalem. This feast occurred during a lull in a period of much violence, yet what should have been a joyous and sacred occasion itself turned to bloodshed.

During the Orthodox liturgy, a unit of Eritrean soldiers opened fire on the church, killing many. Even those who are fleeing from the church came under fire. Then soldiers went door to door and killed and attacked many more in their homes. Even mourning the dead was banned by the soldiers under penalty of immediate summary execution.

Today, on almost the three month anniversary of the attack, the Archfather made a statement reflecting on the violence. His Holy Eminence stated that it is inconceivable that any just government could carry out or permit such an attack. The pontiff also called upon all such violence against the Christian people around the world to be stopped immediately. The audio recording of the statement is below.

Reflection for the First Week of Lent from His Holiness and Eminence the Archfather

FIRENZE-NUOVA ROMA 26 February 2021 (NRom)

Reflection for the First Week of Lent
from His Holiness and Eminence the Archfather

Dear brethren, now in this first week of Lent, Americans lower their flags to half-staff for those who have died from COVID-19, and in our beloved Italy, the civil government continues to restrict the free movement of people. It is said in the United States that the death toll is above 500,000. Let us pause, then, to place all of this in perspective as Christian people. 

Consider that approximately 9 million people die each year around the world from starvation. Pause and reflect upon that – 9 million people dead from lack of food. That is worldwide, but it is a number on the order of 20 times more than the number of stated coronavirus deaths in the United States. Very few of those hunger deaths are in the United States, it seems, and thus the problem is so often ignored by Americans. Yet, starvation deaths are only part of the global food problem. Countless more people suffer from health problems stemming from hunger. These numbers were expected to increase dramatically as a result of the pandemic measures, even potentially doubling.

In the United States, currently the wealthiest nation in the world, 35 million people suffer from hunger. That is on the order of 10% of the population. That is inconceivable. 

Now, it is easy, it seems, for Americans to ignore the deaths from starvation since they are almost exclusively outside of American borders. Yet, as Christians we cannot ignore the plight of other people outside our borders, no matter the nationality. Keeping in mind the magnitude of such deaths around the world, which happened every year, not simply during a pandemic, helps to keep in perspective the mortality rate in the United States, Europe, and around the world by the novel coronavirus pandemic. That those pandemic deaths may not be in vain, We counsel that those advanced countries now reflect upon their own mortality and place themselves in solidarity with those in countries that suffer high death rates from starvation, disease, and other causes on an annual basis around the world. 

Also, bearing in mind, again, that starvation, malnutrition, and hunger are ongoing problems, why does the government of the United States and of the various states therein not attack it with the same degree of apparent enthusiasm, rigour, and seriousness with which it employs measures related to COVID-19? There is simply no excuse for a failure to address such a serious, ongoing, and both national and global problem. That is particularly true considering that the various coronavirus measures enacted around the world have disproportionately impacted the poor and vulnerable, i.e., those most at risk for death from starvation, hunger, and malnutrition, as well as other problems. There appears to be no comprehensive plan by the governments of the Western world to address that issue. Financial payments from the public treasury have been entirely insufficient. Meanwhile, certain companies are making massive windfall gains as a result of the measures. 

It is immoral and against the laws of God for any government to impose such measures that ask some to make massive sacrifices for others, particularly while a small subset of the population is reaping massive benefits. Governments that have claimed absolute authority and forced such sacrifices likewise have an absolute responsibility to make their victims completely and entirely whole. That can be done either out of the public treasury, spreading the cost thereby proportionately across a wide number of people in the taxpayer base, as well as by taxing the dramatic windfall gains made by some of the individuals and companies that are wealthy in the extreme. That is not socialist redistribution of wealth, but simple ethics and acceptance of responsibility on the part of the government. 

As we progress through Lent, therefore, let us all offer our own sacrifices and Lenten denials to the benefit not only of the poor souls in purgatory, but to those who are suffering on earth now – especially those who are in danger of death from starvation or mallet he from hunger. Let us work in peace to establish justice on earth.

Ash Wednesday Letter to Clergy from HHE the Archfather

FIRENZE-NUOVA ROMA 17 February 2021 (NRom)

A miei fratelli venerabili i vescovi, 
ed ad i miei carissimi figli il clero, 

To my venerable brothers the bishops,
and to my dearest sons the clergy, 

On this day begins Lent, a penitential and spiritual season. All are welcome in the Church of Christ, and you, venerable brothers and dear sons, have the responsibility to teach and work for the souls of the faithful. In these days, the world has many divisions – particularly political divisions. But, the church is, again, for everyone. So, this Lent We counsel each of you to leave political things in the past. Yes, certainly speak the truth of the faith and of the rights of the Church and the people, but only those things. Without that specific justification, let us not speak or share negative words about politics. This Lent, think only of Christ, of the sacraments, and of the souls of the people of the world. Again, truly the doors of the One, Holy, Apostolic, Catholic Church are open to everyone who desires to kneel before the Holy Cross of Christ. Cultivate the same feeling amongst your people. 

In questo giorno comincia quaresima, una stagione penitenziale e spirituale. Tutti sono benevenuti nella chiesa di Cristo, e voi, venerabili fratelli e carissima figli, avete la responsibilità di insegnare e lavorare per le anime dei fedeli. Il mondo ha molte divisioni in questi giorni – particolarmente divisioni politiche. Ma, la chiesa è, ancora, per tutti. Quindi, questa quaresima Noi vi consigliamo lasciare nel pasato le cose politiche. Sì, parlare della verità della fede e dei diritti della Chiesa e del popolo, ma solo quelle. Senza quella giustificazione particolare, non parlare e non condividere parole negative in merito della politica. Questa quaresima, pensare solo di Cristo, dei sacramenti, e delle anime del popolo del mondo. Ancora, in verità le porte dell’unica, santa, apostolica, chiesa cattolica sono aperte ad ogniuno chi vuole inginocchiarsi davanti alla Santa Croce di Cristo. Coltivare lo stesso sentimento tra il vostro popolo.

Rutherfordus Ap. I

Servant of the Servants of Christ

Patriarchate, Affiliated Organisations Continue to Serve in Pandemic Humanitarian Crisis

By Jean DuBois

FIRENZE-NUOVA ROMA 12 February 2021 (NRom)

From the very beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Anglican Patriarchate, Stato Pontificio (Pontifical States) was there to help those in need. The Patriarchate was already on the cutting edge of technology use as a force multiplier in the ministry, and other jurisdictions quickly followed. Meanwhile our chaplains continued to provide spiritual help and sacraments even as governments were cracking down on the rights of the Church and many churches were timidly giving in to pressure. Clergy and officials traveled to where they were needed. Even ordinations took place as scheduled. 

As governments locked down their nations, plunging their people into chaos, poverty, and despair, the Pontifical States (Anglican Patriarchate), secular heir to St. Peter the Apostle, remained a beacon of light and hope for the world. As governments and many institutions opted to let the virus and the prevention of that virus dictate policy and rule their lives, the Church continued firm in the wisdom of the faith of Christ.  

The members of our humanitarian wing, the Walsingham Guard, and other affiliated organizations around the world were at the forefront of pandemic service. That includes medical service and support, COVID testing, humanitarian aid, policy work, advocacy for the poor and vulnerable, and more. Those efforts are ongoing as the economic, social, and broad health fallout from the pandemic and government responses to the pandemic continue to rage on. 

And, as the pandemic has resulted in religious leaders caving in to modern social trends and the socialist oligarchs threatening the world with a new Marxism through their "Great Reset," the Patriarchate continues to promote traditional Catholicism as unwavering guardians of the faith. The Stato Pontificio (Pontifical States) have over 1000 years of history dedicated to service to God, the Holy Church, and all humanity. Following the words of Christ Ut unum sint (that they may all be one), it is not only the historic representative of over 400 million people globally, but is one of the most authentically diverse organizations in the modern world. The dedicated work of each and every cleric, lay official, and member around the world follows the example of Christ in humble, servant leadership to those in need. 

www.statopontificio.org

USCCB Bishops Take Pandemic Funds -- Archfather Comments

FIRENZE-NUOVA ROMA 9 February 2021 (NRom)

Recent reports have shown that Bishops of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops have taken U.S. pandemic relief funds despite substantial financial endowments, thereby taking cash for closing their church doors to those in need. His Holiness and Eminence the Archfather made the following statement earlier today. 

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Throughout the COVID-19 humanitarian crisis, We have consistently admonished governments against policies that select winners and losers. We have also admonished corporations that are financially well-endowed against seeking or receiving windfall gains and/or public relief support when so many are losing their businesses and livelihoods. However, We never would have expected that this would include the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. According to credible reports, many dioceses of the Roman Communion within the United States took pandemic small business stimulus money due to lost money from closed churches, despite significant financial endowments. Church sovereignty was sold for cash. This is most troubling. 

     Indeed, governments around the world have a moral responsibility to make whole those who are harmed by their pandemic reponse policies. Even a parish or a diocese that is financially precarious and vulnerable can reasonably receive aid. Yet, those who are able to take care of themselves and are even profiting (as in the case of certain corporations) should not seek such funds. We, the Anglican Patriarchate, have neither sought nor taken such funds, instead preferring that they go to help those who are the most vulnerable and most impacted. 

     My brother Catholic Bishops in the United States would have been well-advised not to close their churches during the pandemic. That does not mean that they should not have taken appropriate precautions, but rather that Church sovereignty should have been maintained against the civil government, sacraments should have been entirely accessible by the faithful during this time of great need and suffering, and the clergy should have been completely available. That is our legacy as Catholic clergy. In this case, it was entirely abdicated – and not just abdicated, but abdicated in favour of cash. 

     Therefore, We call upon the Catholic dioceses of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops to show in detail what they are doing with the money they have received. They must show how it is being used to benefit the poor, the vulnerable, and the less fortunate. 

www.statopontificio.org