An Australian bishop has warned against factionalism in the Church, saying ?self-righteous and blinded factions, whether right- or left-wing? cannot grasp that Christ did not found a political party but a body born of the will of God.

Bishop Kevin Manning of Parramatta pointed to the recent conclave as an example of how the Church should conduct itself. ?It is worth noting that the cardinals, in preparing for the election of a new Pope, spent nine days in prayer seeking the Spirit?s guidance on their deliberations,? he wrote in the latest issue of the diocesan paper, Catholic Outlook. He quoted St Paul?s warning in 1 Corinthians that if quarrelling and strife dominated the path to the Cross, it would be emptied of its power.

He said the principle on which the Church operated was obedience to the truth revealed by Christ. ?Factions ... mistakenly believe the Church is a democracy where each one has his, or her, say in developing the Church to a point that conforms to their own desires. They see faith as no more than their making a decision that pleases them.?
Mark Brolly, Melbourne