Religion Roundup
Pope Warns About Aggressive Conversion Efforts
Associated Press
October 3, 2008
VATICAN CITY - Pope Benedict is warning his bishops in former Soviet republics against aggressive conversion efforts that hamper reconciliation between Roman Catholics and Orthodox Christians.
A Vatican envoy to Moscow, meanwhile, reported progress in improving relations between the two churches that could one day pave the way for a papal visit to Russia.
The Russian Orthodox Church has accused the Vatican of poaching for converts. The Roman Catholic Church contends it is simply looking after its tiny flock in former Soviet nations, where Orthodoxy is the predominant Christian denomination.
In general, such countries do not forbid Orthodox worshippers to convert to Catholicism, but Orthodox authorities have complained about other faiths.
Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.
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