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Episode details

Radio 4,2 mins

Pope ‘cannot change’ Christ’s teachings

Today

Available for over a year

Roman Catholic bishops have completed a synod on the family, reaching a compromise on the divisive issue of divorce. Doctrine towards divorcees has been softened but there is no change in the church's stance on homosexuality. John Smeaton, co-founder of the lay Catholic group Voice of the Family, is critical of the changes. Speaking on the Today Programme Mr Smeaton says “Jesus Christ’s teaching cannot change”. “The Pope serves the unchangeable truth of Christ’s teaching… he’s not master of it, he doesn’t change it”, he added.

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