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Thank you, Pope Francis [1]

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Date: 2023-04-06  

I am overjoyed that you have rescinded the so called “Discovery Doctrine” that a previous Pope promulgated. Of course, now it is also forms a part of International Law as well, but that will be a much more difficult task to repeal and is beyond Francis’ control-but not beyond whatever international influence Francis may possess. I hope he will devote some attention to the issue.

Just to be clear: Children/descendants do not, nor should they, bear the blame of the sins of their fathers. If they choose to continue their father’s sins, that’s a bit of a different situation. Everyone makes their own decisions/judgements. But, there is much to make right.

I just wonder when, now that the Christian justification for the genocides, resource extraction, cultural destructions, etc., the atonement for the sins past will begin and what form(s) it will take? ( I say Christian justification because, to the best of my knowledge, although some sects did deal honorably with those they encountered in the places they came to, those efforts were usually quickly (within a generation or two) overwhelmed by the efforts of other Christians to take any advantage they could)

Without some form of acceptance of responsibility and atonement for what was done in Christ’s name, doesn’t the retraction of the Doctrine of Discovery amount to little more than some well intentioned thoughts and prayers? I think we all know how well thoughts and prayers have worked regarding school, church and other mass shootings in the US.

What can be done to make amends for the inhuman treatment inflicted upon other humans over the last 700- 800 years or so?

It seems to me that the Doctrine has also directly led us to our current climate difficulties as well.

For more info, try:

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/history/article/doctrine-of-discovery-how-the-centuries-old-catholic-decree-encouraged-colonization (account required to read full article);

https://www.ncregister.com/commentaries/the-doctrine-of-discovery-and-the-catholic-church

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Discovery_doctrine

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[1] Url: https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2023/4/6/2162422/-Thank-you-Pope-Francis

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