In Caelo et in Terra, a blog from the Netherlands, has posted an English translation of an 2006 Knack.be interview with André-Mutien Léonard, who was recently named Archbishop of Brussels by Pope Benedict XVI (ht: The Hermeneutics of Continuity). A couple of excerpts:
• On raising hackles (January 19, 2010)
What is the problem of embryonic research?Read the entire interview.
LÉONARD: Us having the pleasure of talking with each other here, is due to the fact that were respected in the past, as embryos. Across the world, there are milions of embryos confined to an absurd fate, being stuck in freezers. They remain frozen, or are destroyed, or are used for scientific research. That is all unacceptable.
Do you consider embryos full-fledged human life?
LÉONARD: Of course. There is no discontinuity bertween the embryo and the person who is born. And the embryo is the most vulnerable creature on earth. We’ve all been embryos, in our mother’s womb. No, such research is not acceptable to me. And there are scientific alternatives, such as adult stem cells.
Do you think that the Belgian Church has been too quiet in the last years on important ethical topics?
LÉONARD: I think it is painful that there hasn’t been a bigger reaction to the euthanasia laws in Belgium, for example. We are too passive. The reactions from the Church and the people is much more intense in France, Italy, Spain and even Germany. (silence) In our society we do so much to make death possible, that we eventually don’t put any effort into life.
If I ask for euthanasia, am I doing something wrong?
LÉONARD: Yes, you are doing something wrong. In the first place because it is not necessary. These days, palliative care is very effective in 98 percent of cases, allowing us to die in human dignity, without unbearable suffering. ...
How can someone who lost it, rediscover his faith?
LÉONARD: By being open to the figure of Christ in the gospel. Or by getting in touch with people who witness of a deep faith. Or by doing what Charles de Foucauld did. He was a French soldier in the late nineteenth century who had lost his faith and led a very frivolous life. Looking for peace, he walked into a church and there he uttered a spontaneous and honest prayer. I have often recommended this prayer to my students in Louvain. Seigneur, mon Dieu, si vous existez, manifestez-vous à moi. God, if you really exist, reveal yourself to me. That is the only thing you can do, being willing to open your heart to God.
• On raising hackles (January 19, 2010)
Fighting our battles in the USA, we often don't see the battles the Church fights elsewhere. From what I have read, the acceptance of euthanasia in many European countries is frightening. God bless this new bishop! Can you imagine living in a country where saying people should not kill themselves in controversial? But Belgium is, apparently, not the only place this is true.
Posted by: Gail F | Friday, January 22, 2010 at 07:14 AM