The Myth of Christian Democracy -- New Encyclical Released

FIRENZE-NUOVA ROMA 5 June 2021 (NRom)

The following encyclical was released by HHE the Papa-Prince. In the encyclical, the Archfather discusses democracy, freedom, and the Christian faith.

The Myth of Christian Democracy

To the Bishops of the European Union, the United States of America, and the United Kingdom and the British Commonwealth

Carissimi,

THE myth of Christian democracy is long and widely held among the nations who profess democratic and republican forms of government originating in the ideas of the Enlightenment. Yet such is entirely and completely inconsistent with the doctrine of the Christian Faith. The notion of Christian democracy is purely and entirely a myth rooted within the anti-Christian notions of the Enlightenment-era philosophy. That the majority of the population of such nations is or was at least nominally Christian does not render such forms of government Christian on any level. Rather, to see the true nature of any particular form of government or government institution, one must look at the foundational philosophies, the context in which they were formed, and the very foundational documents themselves.

Although the world’s oldest democracy in continuous existence to the present is actually San Marino, located in the Italian peninsula, We will focus for purposes of example on the United States of America since it is both a prime example of the issues of which We write and a highly influential nation in the world today.

It is well established, yet not necessarily well-known that the American Revolution and the subsequent Republic of the United States of America were founded in the philosophy of the Enlightenment. Nowhere in the original document founding the government of the United States, i.e., the Articles of Confederation, is the name of God mentioned or invoked. Likewise, in the subsequent foundational document upon which the government of the United States even to the present day is derived, i.e., the United States Constitution, the name of God is neither mentioned nor invoked. Religion is mentioned only in the case of the free exercise thereof in the First Amendment, and also in the articles themselves in the statement that there will be no religious test required for office. Also, in the document used to justify the American Revolution, i.e., the Declaration of Independence, nowhere is Christ invoked. God is only mentioned in the vague sense of the Creator and as “Nature’s God.” Neither of those references is, when understood in the context in which the document was written, sufficient to claim Christian origin of the government of the United States or Christian justification for the revolution. This is further supported by the lack of mention of the Holy Trinity. The anti-Catholic statement made by Thomas Jefferson, the author of the Declaration of Independence and future United States president, coupled with his general religious philosophy, further give even more doubt that there could be any Christian origin in that document. Indeed, the foundational documents of the United States were written in and of the philosophy of the Enlightenment. Insofar as anything spiritual was involved, it was guided by Deism, not by the Christian Faith.

Although the rights of man were stated as basic principles of the Enlightenment, the way in which those rights were framed and their stated origin are not consistent with Christian theology. In the Enlightenment, the origin of any rights of man is not God in the Christian sense or even necessarily God at all. Insofar as God is even mentioned, it is under the philosophy of Deism, which is yet again inconsistent with Christian theology and doctrine, for it does not acknowledge the Holy Trinity as essential or even at all.

Indeed, the Enlightenment was wholeheartedly against the Christian faith – especially the Holy Catholic Faith. The notion of democracy and of republics stemming from Enlightenment philosophy is based on popular sovereignty, which is likewise an incompatible notion with Christianity. Popular sovereignty both states and implies that the will of the majority of the people is what determines the law, what people may and may not do, and ultimately what the nation considers right and wrong. It therefore necessarily prohibits people from acting freely under the laws of God if those actions happen to be against the laws of man as determined by popular sovereignty. No such society can rightly call itself Christian in terms of government or say that its government indeed derives from Christian theology and morality.

Right and wrong cannot be determined by majority vote. What is right and wrong can only be determined correctly under the laws of God, which are supreme to all laws of man and from which all laws of man must flow if they are to have any legitimacy whatsoever. Neither, again, may an individual’s right to do good under the laws of God be correctly infringed by majority vote, as in any form of democracy, including a representative republic. Christian doctrine is clear – democracy does not and cannot respect the rights of the individual, for those rights are always tempered by the will of the majority. Even in the case of a thoroughly-determined minority in a democracy that manages through influence to push its will on the nation, it is nevertheless an outgrowth of popular sovereignty and majority will, for silence is itself a form of expression and a form of vote.

Now, it is tempting for some who are disillusioned with democracy to think that socialism and communism are the answer. Yet, those systems offer no more respect for the rights of the individual then democracy, and they are already well-condemned by Us and Our most holy predecessors. Yet, in terms of respect for the laws of God and for the rights of individuals under the laws of God, all forms of communism, socialism, and democracy are inherently against the Christian faith and can claim no origins from the Christian faith. All attempts to fix a democracy will necessarily fail since the system is inherently flawed in its origin. Only a government that is truly based not upon popular sovereignty, but upon the laws of God can claim to promote peace, freedom, and the rights of man. It is that form of government for which the bishops, the clergy, and the faithful around the world must openly and peacefully advocate. All attempts to promote Enlightenment philosophy and its various related branches in the modern era must be opposed and resisted peacefully.

It is only from Christ that true authority derives. It is only in Christ that mankind may be free.

The Hypocrisy of Nations: New Encyclical Released

FIRENZE-NUOVA ROMA 4 June 2021 (NRom)

His Holiness & Eminence the Archfather released a new encylical today on hypocrisy by governments in the western world. The encyclical was prompted by the action of the EU and USA against the sovereignty of Belarus. The complete text is provided below.

RVTHERFORDVS PP. I

The Hypocrisy of Nations

Carissimi,

THE hypocrisy of nations, specifically of the European Union, United States of America, and the United Kingdom and the British Commonwealth, is flagrantly manifest during recent events in the world today. It is an example of a complete abdication of Christian statesmanship and fraternal love. When nations not only criticise other nations for what they themselves do, but openly seek to interfere in the sovereignty of sovereign nations, and to do harm economically, politically, and even physically to the other nations, all in the name of so-called freedom and justice, it is hypocrisy of the worst kind. It is hypocrisy that can do tremendous, long-lasting harm to countless people.

When nations interfere in the political processes economic activities of other nations, they have no right to condemn that activity in others.

When states engage in torture and tolerate prison violence, they have no right to criticise such acts in others.

When nations intercept aircraft and vessels, even forcing innocent people to the pavement under threat of death, even for the most minor of reasons, they have no right to criticise that behaviour in other nations.

When nations have engaged in trickery, they have no right to criticise that in other states.

When sovereign states do not respect the sovereignty of others, they lose any right they may have to claim that they are acting for the benefit of others in the international politics – and they lose any claim to the moral high ground.

This is a common game, and it is one that is dishonorable, unethical, and un-Christian. The good and Christian faithful must see it for what it is, not fall prey to propaganda of states, including of their own country, and must therefore always preach the truth of Christ. The good and Christian faithful must advocate to the governments of the civil states in which they live that those states behave internationally towards other nations in an appropriate and Christian manner. Above all, the bishops and the clergy must vocally advocate and insist, for the laws of Christ are above all laws of man.

The European Union, United States of America, and the United Kingdom and the British Commonwealth must look at themselves in the mirror before they criticise other nations. They must solve their own problems themselves before condemning others. Far easier is it to ignore one’s own flaws, instead drawing attention away by pointing out those same flaws in others. How people love to rant against others whose flaws and negative actions are merely reflections of themselves, for it is easier than admitting error and correcting it. Yet the error must be identified and faced directly in the love of Christ. Otherwise hope of peace on earth and eternal salvation dissipate and disintegrate.

Ecclesiastical Coats of Arms from the Cronista Re d'Armi Italiano Imperiale

 FIRENZE-NUOVA ROMA 10 Maggio 2021 (NRom)

The following are some renderings of ecclesiastical coats of arms done by the Cronista Re d'Armi Italiano Imperiale for some of the members of the Pontifical Court. 

H.H.E. the Archfather

H.M.E.R.H. the Elector of Trier

H.M.E.R.H. the Crown Cardinal of France

H.M.E.R.H. the Elector of Mainz

H.E. Rt. Rev. Monsignor Rodrigues

H.E. Rt. Rev. Monsignor Palevicino

H.E. Rt. Rev. Archabbot Anthony

All images copyright. All rights reserved.
Designs are copyright Cronista Re.
Contents of jurisdictional arms are ecclesiastical copyright.
Contents of personal arms are copyright by the individual.

Archfather Greets Christians on Feast of St. Mark

By Jean DuBois

FIRENZE-NUOVA ROMA 26 April 2021 (NRom)

His Holiness and Eminence Archfather Papa Rutherford I gave a brief greeting yesterday on his second Apostolic feast, the Feast of St. Mark the Evangelist. His Holiness gave a special blessing to the territories of the Patriarchal patrimony associated with St. Mark, Aquileia in Italy and Leontopoli in Egypt. The Archfather also gave a blessing to all Christians during  the difficult time in the world, reminding everyone to continue to hope in Christ. 

This is one of three main feasts of the Anglican Patriarchate and Stato Pontificio. The Patronal Feast is St. Stephen, kept both on 3 August and 26 December. The Feast of Sts. Peter and Paul, the first Apostolic Feast, is kept on 29 June. The historical association of the Patriarchate with St. Mark is reflected by the sword in the insignia of the Patriarchal See, which is crossed with the key of St. Peter the Apostle. 

 

Holy Friday: Statement of the Archfather regarding Mass Shootings and the Need for Media Responsibility

By Jean DuBois

FIRENZE-NUOVA ROMA 2 April 2021 (NRom)

In light of continuing shootings even into Holy Week, His Holiness and Eminence the Archfather released a statement today on Holy Friday regarding the need for media responsibility in reporting shooting and other violent events. The statement results from a collection of scientific research demonstrating mass shooting events spread like diseases. The media can help save lives by limiting or eliminating its coverage of those events. In his statement, Papa Rutherford I called on media to exercise restraint and responsibility and for government to enact restrictions on the press if necessary.

Full text of the statement: 

Statement of the Archfather on Holy Friday

regarding Mass Shootings and the Need

for Media to Exercise Responsibility

Today as we solemnly remember the Passion and Crucifixion of our Lord, we also should pause to reflect on the current spread of mass shootings in the United States, one of which took place on Wednesday of Holy Week. It has been shown in scientific research that shootings such as these are contagious, spreading like a virus. Constant media coverage and attention does little but fan the flames and cause further spread. Research further suggests strongly that minimal or no coverage of such events could help greatly to prevent further shootings from happening after the initial violence takes place, saving lives. Yet, the media has consistently shown itself entirely unwilling to exercise such responsible restraint. Instead, it seems to relish in the death and destruction and the ratings increase and financial gain that no doubt results.

On this day in which Our Lord sacrificed for us all, suffering a horrific death on the Cross, We call upon the media to cease their excessive coverage of mass shootings and other such events. If the media refuses, then the civil government would be well-warranted to place stringent limits upon the media and its coverage of such violent in the legitimate interest of saving lives. Such is their duty to the people in their care.

Indeed, legitimate limits upon speech already exist, such as against certain exclamations in crowded areas that might induce panic and result in injury and possibly death. This, We believe, is no different. The press cannot hide behind a general duty to inform the public of facts while ignoring and abdicating completely the responsibility of providing those facts and the manner in which it is provided.

May Almighty God be with each of you as we continue through this Sacred Triduum and as the Easter season begins at the first mass of Easter on Saturday morning. May this Easter season be a rebirth of peace in the world and a renewal of normality.

Holy Thursday Letter of the Archfather to Clergy and Nobles

 FIRENZE-NUOVA ROMA 1 April 2021 (NRom)

The following is the text of the annual Holy Thursday letter of His Holiness and Eminence the Archfather to the clergy and nobles. 

TO MY VENERABLE BRETHREN THE BISHOPS, TO THE PRIESTS AND REGULAR CLERGY, AND TO THE SERENE PRINCES, ILLUSTRIOUS NOBLES, AND HONOURABLE KNIGHTS, GREETINGS ON THIS HOLY THURSDAY AS WE BEGAN THE TRANSITION FROM LENT TO THE GLORIOUS CELEBRATION OF EASTER.

Each of you has a special purpose. This year our Lenten journey and coming Easter season is marred by the very same global humanitarian crisis that we experienced not just during Lent and Easter last year, but during the majority of the year. Yet it cannot diminish the light of Christ or the joy of the Resurrection! Crises and humanitarian concerns are certainly nothing new in history, and indeed they are common in most of the world on a regular basis. We as leaders in the worldwide Christendom must, therefore, treat this merely as an event to which we must respond. As so many leaders of the world equivocated and played political games at the expense of the people, as governments developed tunnel vision and sparked a humanitarian crisis unparalleled in recent memory, as societies forgot their proud heritage and instead fell apart, and as people turned on each other in the most vicious ways, you as a group displayed the very traits exemplary behaviour, and honourable service that We would expect from devout Christian leaders. The Roman State in antiquity, the foundation of modern society, was built on rationality, community, courage, and virtue. It was a society that built to last – so much so that even after the Empire collapsed, its influences and even its buildings remain. We are saddened that modern society has all but abandoned its legacy, but We are encouraged that it continues to live on in each of you.

It was largely the Roman roads and eventually the Empire itself that allowed the Christian faith to spread. In the chaos after the collapse of the Roman Empire, it was the Christian faith that sustained the populations and eventually allowed a rebirth of civilisation and more robust societal structure. By setting the example of Christian service, each of you not only helps to bring order out of chaos, but perpetuate the very ideals that are required for a rebirth of society in the present period.

On this day so many years ago, our Lord established the Holy Eucharist, ordaining the Apostles priests. This day we do indeed celebrate the establishment of the Christian priesthood, for it is truly from the altar of God that all authentic service must flow. The justice of God must not be allowed to be abandoned in favour of mere worldly expediency. Yet, that happens all too often in the world. Therefore, We charge each of you this coming Easter season to continue in your exemplary service, modeling the ideals of our Christian civilisation that the light of Christ may be seen in each of you and reflected to others.

Rutherfordus Ap. I 

Servant of the Servants of Christ

Reflections for Passion Week and Holy Week 2021

Papa Rutherford on the summit of a
peak in the Alps on the Franco-Italian border

FIRENZE-NUOVA ROMA 21 March 2021 (NRom)

Reflections for Passion Week and Holy Week 2021

Archfather Rutherford

For speaking the truth, they took up stones to cast out our Lord, and thus Jesus hid himself and went out of the temple. It is that event that we commemorate and live on Passion Sunday each year in the liturgical calendar. In the introit to the mass this day, we hear from the Psalms “Judge me, O God, and distinguish my cause from the nation that is not holy: deliver me from the unjust and deceitful man, for thou art my God and my strength.” Indeed, it is the judgment of God that we must value above all else and which matters infinitely more than the mere judgment of man or even masses of men. How often do we find ourselves in these positions in daily life? The answer is quite frequently, even if more often on a less dramatic, far more simple and subtle scale.

Right is right, even if no one is right. Wrong is wrong, even if everyone is wrong. So easy is it to equivocate, abandon one’s faith and principles, and go along with the crowd or even the urgings of a single person simply to avoid what appears to be immediate trouble. What a pathetic and false logic that is! If someone claims to believe in something and value something, but then when pushed by others is willing to give it up, then one does not believe in or value anything other than one’s own transitory comfort. Indeed, society of today has become weak, soft, and tragically pitiful.

Unfortunately, we are so often taught a mixed message. On one hand we are taught to be strong and do the right thing, with metaphors such as “If everyone jumped off a bridge, would you jump too?” On the other hand, we are taught to go along with the crowd, set aside what we believe, and follow the cultural norms. It is no wonder, then, that people are confused and often fail when they are confronted with the choice to do the right thing when it is clearly out of step with cultural norms and contains a social penalty, which most people are not willing to bear. Sometimes doing the right thing, when it is out of step with cultural norms, puts people at risk of financial harm, job loss, and so forth. Usually the fear of such things makes people move backwards when they should move forward. Usually the fear of something is worse than the actual event, and the event quite often does not even happen.

A mountain guide with whom I climbed in the Alps told me that fear when climbing makes climbers often do the opposite of what they should actually do, and that is how so many climbers get into trouble and have accidents. I was a good thing to be reminded of since we were moving along sheer rock walls with foot ledges that were not even big enough for an entire foot in many places – with a 300 metre distance straight down to the ground below. I was never one to be particularly afraid in the mountains or any other dangerous situation, but I found his advice extremely useful. Indeed, any time concern entered my mind, it always suggested the wrong step. The only safe path forward on the mountain was to banish concern and move forward prudently, but without any fear.

The mountains, I have always found, are metaphors for life. Whenever we are confronted with a dangerous situation, we must move forward as Christians, prudently and soberly, yes, but we must also banish the fear. Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather controlling it so that we may do the right thing, take the right step, and follow the correct path.

I always found the mountains exhilarating, particularly where the air was thin. Some of the most beautiful terrain and best views in the world were available to those who paired prudence and caution with nerve, resolve, and the control of fear. All of those things are necessary to succeed. Once again, the mountains are a metaphor for life. We may choose the easy path or the popular path, and that we may survive, we do not really live. It is those fortunate people who dare to brave the rough terrain, the difficult environment, and the challenging conditions, standing against the conventional wisdom of the masses and the ever-changing cultural norms, finding in themselves a courage of the spirit that they did not even necessarily know they had who really and truly live.

As we proceed through Passion Week and then through Holy Week towards the joys of the Resurrection on Easter Sunday, may Almighty God kindle in each of you a desire to find the strength and courage that resides inside you.