Overheard: May 2016

“The United States is not a Christian nation and I think it is wholly un-Christian to force your views on someone else. For example, I am pro-choice, but I am also pro-life. I would never choose to get an abortion myself, but I would also never impose my morals on someone else, especially [from] a different faith.”

University student Leah Sikes on not being a stereotypical, conservative Christian and that individuals are more than just the labels societies place on them.—The Guardian (US)

“The intention from the beginning was to provide a natural and relaxed time and space where people from the Christian and Muslim community can just meet together. We’re all the same with the same basic philosophy. It’s about building relationships. . . . At the end of the day we are supposed to be good to one another as human beings so that we can have a peaceful society.”

Council of Christians and Muslims co-presidents Keith Rowe and Gul Zaman want to see more acceptance between the two religions.—stuff.co.nz (New Zealand)

“We must not use the charity we practise and transform it into an instrument of proselytism. An expert Christian knows when it is time to speak about God and when it is best to keep quiet. Sometimes a silent witness is the best witness of the love of God.”

Cardinal Gerhard Ludwig Müller warning Christians against extending aid to refugees with the goal of changing their faith, saying this is equivalent to “practically a manipulation of the conscience.”—Christian Today (UK)

“In a world in which Christianity, not just the Catholic Church, is under attack from progressive secularists working to destroy its influence in our society, this continuing saga [of sexual abuse and subsequent cover-ups] over so many years has undermined much of the good that Christian people do in our society. I feel what [many people feel], disgust and shame at what has been uncovered. But my faith is in God, not a human priesthood, whatever the denomination.”

Daryl McLure’s response to Herald Sun columnist Elise Elliott’s column, telling the world she would never enter a Catholic church again as a result of clerical child sexual abuse and hierarchical cover-up.—Geelong Advertiser (Australia)

“I do think the reason the [Australian Christian Lobby] is often palmed off by Christians as not being representative of them is because they often do not sound like the Jesus they follow: the God who sought us out when we were far away, who came to us—full of grace and truth.”

The conclusions of Stephanie Judd, a commercial lawyer, who spent a year researching the role of the Australian Christian Lobby in shaping policy.—ABC (Australia)

“I’m a walking contradiction. Maybe there was once room for people like me. Maybe everyone is like me, if we’re all honest with each other. But our culture no longer allows contradictions. I run from discussions with other Christians because it almost always ends poorly. A loss of friendship, a loss of faith, a loss of fervour. I’m tired of being burned. But maybe disengaging from any political or cultural stance is actually making me a more faithful follower of Christ.”

“I’m a walking contradiction. Maybe there was once room for people like me. Maybe everyone is like me, if we’re all honest with each other. But our culture no longer allows contradictions. I run from discussions with other Christians because it almost always ends poorly. A loss of friendship, a loss of faith, a loss of fervour. I’m tired of being burned. But maybe disengaging from any political or cultural stance is actually making me a more faithful follower of Christ.”