Pope Warns U.S. Bishops On Threat Of Radical Secularism In America

'The pontiff warned that America's "cherished" tradition of "religious freedom" is under threat as the nation's moral consensus has been "eroded" by "powerful new cultural currents" that not only run counter to "Judeo-Christian tradition, but (are) increasingly hostile to Christianity as such."

Benedict's message echoed a recent campaign by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, which has warned of a "national conflict between church and state of enormous proportions" over same-sex marriage, contraception mandates and other issues.

Benedict warned that the separation of church and state must not be invoked to force the church to "be silent on certain issues," or to sideline believers in "determining the values which will shape the future of the nation".'

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