Papa don't preach: Minister rails against Benedict state visit

In a statement to the Sentinel the Newbuildings Independent Methodist Minister argues the Pope should not be welcomed to Britain due to the crimes carried out be members of the Catholic clergy over the years.

Rev Campbell writes: "On Thursday the United Kingdom will welcome the leader of the biggest paedophile ring in the world. Pope Benedict XVI will be welcomed with open arms by the Queen, the Prime Minister, and Parliament.

"It is beyond belief that our country would afford a state visit to such an individual. It is beyond belief that thousands will turn out to celebrate Mass and the beatification of Newman.

"Many of our citizens are hurting today because of the unbridled lust of Roman Catholic clergy. Our hearts go out to these victims. Our thoughts and prayers are also with the victims of the Claudy bombing, an atrocity masterminded by a member of the Roman Catholic clergy."

The Minister goes on to accuse Catholic clergymen of involvement in violence and bloodshed over a millennium.

"But then, Roman Catholic clergy have been involved in violence and bloodshed for the last 1000 years. No doubt the victims will be forgotten amid the hysteria of the papal visit," he writes.

"From a spiritual point of view, the very idea of the papacy is unscriptural. The claims of the pope are an insult to Almighty God. And the teaching of the papacy stinks too. It sets up Mary as a Saviour in place of the Lord Jesus Christ," he continues.

Rev Campbell then quotes a verse from Galatians that reads: "'There be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed" (Galatians 1:7).'"

He concludes: "We hold no ill will to the Roman Catholic community. On the contrary, we desire their highest and everlasting good in being brought to faith in the one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.

"For any interested in supporting the gospel witnesses and protests during the papal visit I would highly recommend the following website www.popesukvisit.co.uk"