Various secular and anti-Catholic bodies have signed up to internet petitions hostile to the forthcoming visit of Pope Benedict XVI to England.

The following petition has been set up with a welcoming message, which should help to create a more positive climate of opinion:

"We, the undersigned, welcome, with all our hearts and souls, the visit of Pope Benedict XVI to the United Kingdom, for the liberty and well-being of the Church in our country and most especially for the spiritual benefits and pastoral care to be offered to all, whatever their beliefs. "

The benefit of any internet petition in changing opinion depends on it becoming newsworthy.  That, in turn, depends on it receiving a truly substantial number of supporters.  We hope that we can persuade more Christians to sign the petition welcoming the visit, to promote freedom of expression, freedom of religious belief and, above all, to demonstrate truly ecumenical commitment and tolerance.  At the time of writing, the above petition has attracted 29,664 signatures.  Surely this can be doubled, or more!  If you can, please add your own support.  Please also seek that of any others you know who have internet access.  The website is:

www.petitiononline.com/PopeinUK/petition.html