I would be very surprised about this, as Catholics comprise less than 1% of the population in Ethiopia.This author cited an incident which occured in Ethiopia where Catholics supposedly promised freedom to (name removed by moderator)risoned Protestants by having them kiss our crucifix. The book is Davis, Raymond. Fire on the Mountains. Grand Rapids, Michigan: 1974. Does anyone know what actually happened in this courntry druing that time? And are Catholics culpable of what they are accused of? What’s the truth of this?
The Protestants perceived the persecution as motivated not by politics, but by differences in religious faith, since Catholic priests promised them freedom if only they would kiss the crucifixes held up to them. To the Wallamo, this seemed like a return to the idolatry they had recently left, and they refused freedom at that price.
So it appears the reference is to Mussolini invading a country and imprisoning its citizens simply out of lust for power and/or wealth. There is no teaching of the Catholic Church that one country should invade another to satisfy a desire for power and/or wealth. Mussolini may have been Catholic at one time just like Hitler, but he obviously rejected the teachings of the Church as he was married but kept a mistress for years, would hang his opposition and he invaded Ethiopia using mustard gas and phosgene in the process thus being responsible for the deaths and injuries of thousands. Death and misery often follow when men disobey teachings of the Church. If only everyone was a faithful Catholic then it would be paradise on earth.Well, as I understand it this happened during the time of Mussilini who took control of Ethiopia. I don’t know if he used Catholic Priest with his military invasion of the Country. But according to this protestant, protestant missionaries and converted Ethiopians were persecuted by those priest. I find it strange for several reasons which is why I would like to hear from some one who has some real knowledge of what happened then. I’m trying to refute misconseptions of Catholics from some protestant claims. But then I get things like this and need to look at the actual circumstances. This happened in Ethiopia at Wallamo which this excerpt comes from Christianity.com
So what? Catholics kiss crucifixes. They would not have asked anything that they would not do themselves.Catholics supposedly promised freedom to (name removed by moderator)risoned Protestants by having them kiss our crucifix.
Why would a Catholic Priest force anyone to kiss a crucifix? Seriously, by the nature of the situation it is not evidence of Faith. And Priest are familiar enough with what happened during the reformation to realize the Protestant position. To hold jail time over someone’s head for their faith seems contrary to our Catholic Beliefs! In the middle ages and during the reformation we can easily say well it wasn’t the Church so much as local civil authorities who felt they must enforce the religion of their State. The Church was conserned about maintaining the faith of their members keeping them safe from soul damning heresy. But in this case it doesn’t seem this way. Which is why I wanted to know the accuracy of this accusation.So what? Catholics kiss crucifixes. They would not have asked anything that they would not do themselves.
Is this supposed to be abusive? The protestant could refuse, and remain in jail, in which case he would be no better or worse than if the offer had never been made.
However, not all protestants are all hung up on the idea that a crucifix is idolatry (crucifixes are found in most Anglican churches, for example). For those guys, it would have been a chance for freedom. So they are better off.
So the offer either means that you stay as you were, or you are free. It causes no harm or damage to anybody.
Clearly there are those in the Clergy who will go against the faith. Every major heresy in Christiandom was started by a priest it seems. However, with these Heretics and Judas we have a denounciation of their practices. We have clear condemnation from the Church. Where is that with these actions in Ethiopia? If not then isn’t the Church complicit? If it indeed happened the way it was reported? Look at things to day. The LCWR are criticized (rightly so) for their antogonistic teaching which is contrary to Chruch teaching. And are told to get their “house in order”. Bishop Caetano Ferrari of Bauru excommunicated Father Roberto Francisco Daniel (rightly so) for defending same sex marriage. Bishop Richard Lennon excommunicated Fr. Robert Marrone (rightly so) because this priest church closed down and the members wanted to worship as the same community at a warehouse which was done outside the authority of the Chruch. So certianly the same should have happened in this incident.Even if this was true how would this have any bearing against the Church as a whole? Did Judas’ actions void the truth of Christ’s teaching? Did any of the actions of the members of the Church render the Church truthless? If not then what excuse does any Christian have for leaving the Church?