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Blair told to back down after calling on Pope to rethink his view on gays
Nicholas Cecil and Paul Waugh8 Apr 2009
TONY BLAIR came under fire today for urging the Pope to rethink his "entrenched" attitudes towards homosexuality.
In an interview with gay magazine Attitude, the former prime minister said that most Catholic congregations in Britain were more "liberal minded" than the Church hierarchy.
Mr Blair, who converted to Catholicism after resigning as prime minister in 2007, stressed that he felt Pope Benedict XVI stood for "many fantastic things". But he made clear he disagrees with the Vatican's opposition to gay marriage, and its decrees that homosexual acts are sinful.
Asked about the Pope's view, Mr Blair told Attitude: "There is a huge generational difference" on the issue.
"And there's probably that same fear among religious leaders that if you concede ground on an issue like this - because attitudes and thinking evolve over time - where does that end?" he said.
"You'd start having to rethink many, many things. Now, my view is that rethinking is good, so let's carry on rethinking.
"Actually, we need an attitude of mind where rethinking and the concept of evolving attitudes becomes part of the discipline with which you approach your religious faith."
However, his comments were strongly condemned by leading Catholic MP Ann Widdecombe.
"When Tony Blair was received into the Church, he had to make an extremely clear statement, which was that he believed all the Church's teachings to be revealed truth," she said. "Why has he changed his mind in the few months that have elapsed?"
The former Home Office minister, and Tory MP for Maidstone and the Weald, added: "The Catholic Church is not going to change to please Tony Blair. The sooner he realises that, the better."
Last year, the Pope sparked fury in the gay community when he suggested that homosexuality was as big a threat to humankind as the destruction of the rainforests.
In a letter to bishops in 1986, when he was a cardinal, he also wrote: "Although the particular inclination of the homosexual person is not a sin, it is a more or less strong tendency ordered to an intrinsic moral evil, and thus the inclination itself must be seen as an objective disorder."
During his interview, Mr Blair said homophobia in society had receded since the early Nineties, and that his government's introduction of civil partnerships had given people a "sense of liberation from prejudice".
He added that Business Secretary Lord Mandelson, one of his closest advisers, had suffered from anti-gay prejudice "in some quarters".
But Mr Blair also said: "His [Mandelson's] career is interesting in both senses in that he's attacked in certain quarters for being gay, and yet, at the same time, I don't believe that has altered in any shape or form people's opinion of him."
Reader views (50)
The Bible has comparatively little to say about homosexuality and nothing (so far as I am aware) about consensual, monogamous same-sex relationships. It has something to say about the “dangers” of mixed fibre clothing (polyester mixes be damned!), shellfish and the like; and speaks of “approved” practices, such as ritual sacrifice. Whilst I agree with Irene’s comment that “the bible stays the same” the fact is that Church leaders choose where to place the emphasis on the importance of various tracts of the Bible, and in so doing reveal their own biases. I could go on to mention the the biases of the alleged “authors” of the various chapters and verses of the Bible as another source of concern (God didn’t pen it Himself, you know!)...
- Jayne, London, UK, 14/04/2009 11:55
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The Pope is wrong.
- Luke M., Sydney, Australia, 14/04/2009 10:44
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You can change your religion but the bible stays the same way God wrote it thousands of years ago. You have to have moral guidelines as to right and wrong. It's not enough for people to do just what THEY think is right, because that can change over time. God never changes and neither does His word. He wrote the ten commandments, not 10 suggestions for the safety, security and well-being of everyone on the planet
- Irene, Vancouver Island Canada, 14/04/2009 04:51
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St Tony and free speech- oh god my ribs wont stand another belter like that ! Free at the rate of 100 grand an hour - plus extras for the judge .
- Wills, Soton, 13/04/2009 16:01
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The Pope is right.
- Anglo, Sussex England, 13/04/2009 15:52
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All the regions of the BOOK consider homosexuality a sin. One can chose to believe them or not. It is childish and arrogant to persuade their religious leaders not to believe.
- Georges, London, 12/04/2009 00:43
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The pope is out of touch with everything, not just homosexuality.
- Len, Perth, Australia, 11/04/2009 09:15
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I dont know why the question is even being asked,of course he is.
- Kev, London-UK, 11/04/2009 08:15
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The Bible, not society and it's attitudes is right and a constant.It is not for the Bible to change , but for society to get back into step with the word of God.
- Essexkid, Romford,essex, 11/04/2009 06:10
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The Pope and the Vatican are totally out of step with EVERYTHING.
- Jb Hove, hove sussex uk, 10/04/2009 11:13
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The Pope is right; sanctimonious Blair with his predicatably shallow trendy ideas is wrong - he knows as much about morality as achievibg peace in the Middle East.
- Richard Kennard, Welling, 10/04/2009 09:06
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It would indeed be a miracle if a frock-wearing old man who spends all day playing make-believe cocooned in a palace was truly 'in step' with anything.
- Lee, London, UK, 09/04/2009 17:55
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Blair obviously aspires to be the next pope, but what role will Cherie play, and who will compensate for the loss of earnings as a public speaker? When he has finished re-writing the bible will he then convert to yet another religion and campaign to change their beliefs also? His arrogance is breathtaking.
- R.F., Yorks, UK, 09/04/2009 16:35
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Could it be that Blair wants to be the next Pope?
- Hugh, Birmingham, UK, 09/04/2009 12:23
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This simply a cynical move by Tony Blair in his campaing to become the first European President. If he does not like the teachings of the Church, he should not have joined. All of us catholics find some of the teachings difficult, but we cannot cherry pick the bits we like. Any religion that follows trends is doomed. Just look at the Church of England; trying to be all things to all people and now it is irrelevant.
- Beatriz, London, 09/04/2009 12:22
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There may be a few dinosaurs in the Catholic Church who bemoan Mr Blair's intervention but he has proved himself as a three times elected world statesman and therefore has every right to comment on the church's policy.
Well done Mr Blair.
- Thomas, London, 09/04/2009 09:21
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Blair should realise that he should follow the teachings of the religion he joins, not to change it.
- Jo, london, uk, 08/04/2009 20:31
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Stop interfering Blair,you have already caused enough problems around the World!
- Mark A, Warrington England, 08/04/2009 20:26
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Does it really matter, frankly, does it matter what Blair thinks either?
- Kevin Sullivan, Roehampton, London., 08/04/2009 17:41
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Even though I heartily dislike Mr Blair, he does have a point and a personal view, whether anyone likes that view or not. I think it's called free speech.
- Sylvia, MARKET HARBOROUGH, 08/04/2009 16:53
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I suggest Blair keeps his opinions to himself,He and his
party are slowly destroying this country,so his opinions
count for nothing
- Paul, Grimsby,England, 08/04/2009 16:49
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Tony Blair is correct. If the church is to move forward successfully in the 21st century a radical rethink is needed. As a practising Catholic I would certainly support a Third Vatican Council addressing issues such as homosexuality, abortion and birth control.
- Blue Baby, London, 08/04/2009 16:03
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One does not choose ones sexuality any more than you chooses the color of your hair or the color of your skin.
- Kev, London-UK, 08/04/2009 15:42
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Well done Mr Blair.
- Teddy, Islington, London, 08/04/2009 15:28
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Suggesting that the Pope 'rethink' his stance on homosexuality is akin to asking him to rethink his stance on religion, both pointless and a little silly of Blair to consider if you think about it.
If he doesn't want to follow the Pope's lead, along with anyone else, he and anyone else are perfectly entitled to go their own way.
- Rogan, Irving, 08/04/2009 15:25
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Well done Tony.
- Paul, London, 08/04/2009 14:58
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Well Tony is right about one thing - he said "Lord Mandelson is attacked in certain quarters for being gay, and yet, at the same time, I don't believe that has altered people's opinion of him"
Too right - we still wouldn't trust him an inch.
- Andy, southend, essex, 08/04/2009 14:26
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How does Tony Blair know his view is that of the majority. He doesnt and nor does anyone else. The fact is that in spite of what is said people do not have choices anymore. What pleases one offends another it always has been that way and it probably always will remain that way. I have a feeling that a national referendum on this matter might leave at lot of people suitably embarrased including Mr Blair! Such a search for the real opinion of the majority will never happen either for financial, moral or reasons that politicians who always know best do not like to take a risk that they just might be proven wrong!
- Pedro, Dubai UAE, 08/04/2009 14:22
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does this numpty blair think he is next in line for the popes job what an idiot
- John G H, london england, 08/04/2009 14:07
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Romans 1:24 -32 gives a profund teaching on sinful acts such as HOMOSEXUALITY. i agreed with the Pope even though I am not a Roman Catholic. True Christians hate sin (homosexuality) but do not hate sinners.
- Herbert Henry, Kingston, Jamaica, 08/04/2009 14:04
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Yes Ray Charles, I keenly await St Tony's similar comments about the King of Saudia Arabia
- Patrick, Dalston, 08/04/2009 14:02
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Tony Blair has probably less right than almost anybody to take issue with the Pope on matters of Roman Catholic doctrine. When he recently converted to Roman Catholicism he presumably accepted the teachings of that church.
I am sure that the Pope will stand his ground otherwise Tony Blair will be wanting to overhaul the Roman Catholic Church. Remember the mess he has made of reforming the House of Lords.
- Martin Fielding, London, England, 08/04/2009 13:44
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Can somebody please show where in the bible it states that homosexuality is a sin... I know there are 613 commandments in the old testament and 10 in the new testament.
- Lee, London, 08/04/2009 13:44
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The bible was written hundreds of years ago, it's now so outdated it's ridiculous people still rely on it so much.
People once thought the world was flat, it doesn't mean it ever was.
- Alex, South West, UK, 08/04/2009 13:43
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I expect TB to announce any day now that he is in fact JC.
- B. Browne, New Malden, UK, 08/04/2009 13:42
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Why does this guy make statements that nobody is remotely interested in. He is history !!
- Nick Holland, glasgow, 08/04/2009 13:33
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I truly believe this is the Second Coming long-awaited.
Mr Blair is sent to correct all our errors at a time of crisis.
Hosanna!
- Mike Newland, London, England, 08/04/2009 13:19
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You ve had your 15 minutes Blair and the country is paying a very high price for it.
please just disappear off everybodies radar.
- Chris, Woking. UK, 08/04/2009 12:57
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I think that the Catholic church is being unfairly criticised. Tony Blair should have told readers what happens in countries such as Saudi Arabia: 'Punishment for homosexuality, cross-dressing, or being involved with anything that hints at the existence of an organized gay community will range from imprisonment, deportation (for foreigners), lashes, and sometimes execution.'
- Ray Charles, london, 08/04/2009 12:50
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There may be some mileage in what Billy Liar is saying. After all, he is an expert in being out of touch with public opinion!
- Keith Lonsdale, Doncaster, 08/04/2009 12:27
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The Pope was so lucky to get an audience with him.
- R Jones, Bristol UK, 08/04/2009 12:21
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Wonderful. Not content with dispatching thousands of innocent people to meet their Maker, Blair now feels he can lecture the Pope on matters of theology. He first denied "he did religion". Will he now come out and admit he has a direct line to God? Or perhaps he will claim to be giving orders to God.
- Frank G Middlesex, West London, 08/04/2009 11:57
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Mr Blair may THINK he's God, but to preach to the church he's just joined is absolutely hysterical !
- Marianne, SW France, 08/04/2009 11:33
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The catholic church is out of step with most things and the church of England is becoming irrelevant.
- Alex C, London, 08/04/2009 11:00
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The Bible is the Bible is the Bible, it is not something that can be adjusted according to the times of a particular generation.A man who professes to being a Christian and an educated one at that, should know this.
- Essexkid, Romford,essex, 08/04/2009 10:41
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Im not religious, but it seems to me if a religion is based on the believe that homosexual activity is wrong,you can not change believe to accommodate people.Homosexuals can start their own religion and have their own beliefs,but to expect a religon to change what it teaches would make that religon non and void.
- David, london, 08/04/2009 10:15
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Aw good old tony, you know i actually miss him in a way. yeah he might have made some mistakes but actually he was probably one of the best PM's we have ever had (in recent history).
- James Watson, Inverness, 08/04/2009 09:58
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I agree that no person should be discriminated against but in a way if the whole world was gay the human race would have died out, perhaps that is what the pope was trying to get across? However, what Blair says about people's views of Peter Mandelson that they have not changed, I never felt 'against' him because he was gay but anyone who commits offences, is stood down then gets rewarded with a well paid job in the EU then a lordship later that is what turned me anti him. The way he 'got away' with what ordinary people would not have been allowed to that is what people's opinions are formed on not his sexuality.
- In Despair, Colchester UK, 08/04/2009 09:56
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Mr Blair is correct, I don't think being gay has altered peoples opinion of Mandy.
- David., Chertsey.UK., 08/04/2009 09:55
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Its not about what the church or people think.
- K C, Essex, UK, 08/04/2009 09:50
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