In 2001 the BBC produced a chilling documentary which demonstrated how you and I can so easily be seduced into supporting tyranny.  Obviously, for some, tyranny is highly advantageous and in their interests but for the majority of ordinary people it involves suffering either directly or because their consciences can never be completely clear and at peace.

In the interest of bringing about dialogue to build a healthy and vibrant community of faith it is necessary to recognise the truth, unpalatable though this may be.  Church leaders define the institution as a society and as such it can and does embrace similar forms of government to civil society.  It also professes to support human rights, as long as these do not have to apply to itself.  It has displayed tyrannical behaviour down through the centuries and does so today.

As full members of the Roman Catholic Church we are called by our Baptism to build a society that acts justly, loves tenderly and walks humbly with its God (Micah 6). 

We have a choice, to stand by and do nothing or stand up for an institution that offers a message of joy and not threat.  As Edmund Burke said, ""All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men (and women) do nothing."

The documentary proposed that tyranny is created by ordinary nice people who resort to ghastly behaviour. 

Unfortunately the programme has not been released on DVD but it does exist on YouTube.  The links are given below and we recommend that, as you watch and listen, you reflect upon the Church - even your own parish - and how it conducts itself with its members and the public at large.

1. 'Us' and 'Them'
2. 'Obey' (Authority)
3. 'Do them harm'
4. Stand by (Apathy)
5. 'Exterminate'

YouTube also offer the introduction to the programme.  This has extra scenes added to reflect the events that happened following 9/11