Melrose Reacts to Pope Benedict News

Melrose church officials react to Pope Benedict XVI's decision to step down on Feb. 28.

Pope Benedict XVI announced Monday that he will resign at the end of February, according to a Reuters report. The 85-year-old pope is unable to fulfill the duties of his office, Reuters said, because he is does not have the strength.  Benedict is the first pontiff to resign since the Middle Ages, according to Reuters. Melrose Reacts to Pope Benedict's Impending Resignation Pastor Beth Horne, who has served the Melrose Highlands Congregational Church for about four years, said she was surprised by Pope Benedict XVI's decision to resign on Feb. 28. "Pope Benedict's resignation certainly is surprising given the tradition of the papacy," wrote Horne in an email to Melrose Patch Monday afternoon. "My prayer for all my Roman Catholic brothers …

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Mark Ouellette

8:34 pm on Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Hi Cliff, We attempted to get comments from other religious officials from the community, but to no avail.   more ›

Letters to the Editor

LETTER: Melrose Clergy Association Speaks Out on Violence

Several church and temple officials signed the Letter to the Editor focused on violence.

[Editor's note: The following Letter to the Editor was submitted by the Melrose Clergy Association.] The members of the Melrose Clergy Association continue to grieve and reflect upon last month’s tragic massacre of children and adults in Newtown Connecticut; and we continue to pray for the precious children, their families, their teachers, and those first responders and public servants who raced to offer their aid and comfort as this devastating event unfolded. We pray that the God of love and truth will surround the community of Newtown, and inspire and enable other communities, like our own, to find ways to ensure the peace and safety of our children. In the wake of such senseless violence and loss of innocent life, we stand firmly …

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