Yes, God bless the Swiss!
And thank the Saints that the sons of Switzerland are protecting the Pope – this defense of their homeland is a prophetic – reminiscent of a scene from the Lord of the Rings – “You shall NOT pass.”
— Byron30 Nov 2009 11:19 pm
I feel that the ban was not needed. The minarets in Switzerland are not used to call Muslims to prayer, they are silent and always have been.
— OakRidge1 Dec 2009 2:15 pm
Not being Swiss voters, nor Swiss residents, none of our opinions have any particular importance.
— Andrew Cusack1 Dec 2009 3:04 pm
Our opinions are indeed of little import, unless they inspire us to a spirit of steely resolve. Otherwise, do not doubt it, we are lost.
— Baron v Hetterscheidt2 Dec 2009 1:26 pm
Surely the ban is symbolic unless it is followed up with a reform of immigration policy.
— Dino Marcantonio2 Dec 2009 3:59 pm
Swiss catholic bishops were against the ban, though. How can you, as a Catholic, actually support the ban of minarets? You may want to elaborate on this in some future blog post.
— Anon3 Dec 2009 7:53 am
1) Where I have said anything about the minarets ban, except for “Not being Swiss voters, nor Swiss residents, none of our opinions have any particular importance.”?
2) You seem to misunderstand the nature of bishops conferences. They have almost no authority whatsoever, and Catholics are perfectly free to disregard their recommendations. As for the actual ordinary diocesan bishop of whichever diocese a Catholic lives in, he is the one who has actually authority over a Catholic.
3) But even so, if your bishop makes recommendations as to an architectural-cultural matter such as this, which does not directly impact the Catholic faith, while Catholic voters should of course take into consideration the public thoughts of their diocesan bishop, they must remember that bishops are entirely fallible (especially, experience would show, in matters of architectural taste).
4) The Swiss bishops in recent decades have not been enthusiastic supporters of Catholicism, so their pronouncements should be viewed with suspicion. (To a non-Catholic, it may seem odd that Catholic bishops not be keen on Catholicism. But think how odd their lack of enthusiasm seems to Catholics!)
— Andrew Cusack3 Dec 2009 9:39 am
1) You are correct. I interpreted your posting a picture of the Swiss flag on this particular date as 1000 words in approval/support of … well, something. I jumped to a conclusion it is about the referendum result. But it could as well be, for example, simply in approval of the fact that an important thing was brought before the people to decide democratically, regardless of their decision. I apologize. (I occasionally need a reminder why I prefer to comment rarely, and whenever, then anonimously.)
2,3,4) Even though the bishops are not infallible, they are still the shepherds of their flocks, and the laity looks to them for guidance. For some Catholics, it is very uncomfortable to vote contrary to what their church leaders advise.
Thank you that you have replied to my (quite testy) comment. Now I return to anonimity.
Writer, web designer, etc.; born in New York; educated in Argentina, Scotland, and South Africa; now based in London. 
God bless the Swiss!
The tide has turned.
Yes, God bless the Swiss!
And thank the Saints that the sons of Switzerland are protecting the Pope – this defense of their homeland is a prophetic – reminiscent of a scene from the Lord of the Rings – “You shall NOT pass.”
I feel that the ban was not needed. The minarets in Switzerland are not used to call Muslims to prayer, they are silent and always have been.
Not being Swiss voters, nor Swiss residents, none of our opinions have any particular importance.
Our opinions are indeed of little import, unless they inspire us to a spirit of steely resolve. Otherwise, do not doubt it, we are lost.
Surely the ban is symbolic unless it is followed up with a reform of immigration policy.
Swiss catholic bishops were against the ban, though. How can you, as a Catholic, actually support the ban of minarets? You may want to elaborate on this in some future blog post.
1) Where I have said anything about the minarets ban, except for “Not being Swiss voters, nor Swiss residents, none of our opinions have any particular importance.”?
2) You seem to misunderstand the nature of bishops conferences. They have almost no authority whatsoever, and Catholics are perfectly free to disregard their recommendations. As for the actual ordinary diocesan bishop of whichever diocese a Catholic lives in, he is the one who has actually authority over a Catholic.
3) But even so, if your bishop makes recommendations as to an architectural-cultural matter such as this, which does not directly impact the Catholic faith, while Catholic voters should of course take into consideration the public thoughts of their diocesan bishop, they must remember that bishops are entirely fallible (especially, experience would show, in matters of architectural taste).
4) The Swiss bishops in recent decades have not been enthusiastic supporters of Catholicism, so their pronouncements should be viewed with suspicion. (To a non-Catholic, it may seem odd that Catholic bishops not be keen on Catholicism. But think how odd their lack of enthusiasm seems to Catholics!)
1) You are correct. I interpreted your posting a picture of the Swiss flag on this particular date as 1000 words in approval/support of … well, something. I jumped to a conclusion it is about the referendum result. But it could as well be, for example, simply in approval of the fact that an important thing was brought before the people to decide democratically, regardless of their decision. I apologize. (I occasionally need a reminder why I prefer to comment rarely, and whenever, then anonimously.)
2,3,4) Even though the bishops are not infallible, they are still the shepherds of their flocks, and the laity looks to them for guidance. For some Catholics, it is very uncomfortable to vote contrary to what their church leaders advise.
Thank you that you have replied to my (quite testy) comment. Now I return to anonimity.