Pope's conclave out of line: US Hindus
Nevada, Mar 5 : Idea of men only Pope's conclave electing one amongst themselves as the biggest religious leader of the world was simply "out of line" in 21st century, Hindu statesman Rajan Zed stated in Nevada (USA).
Roman Catholic cardinals (115 men) will soon hold a conclave in Sistine Chapel in Vatican City to elect a new Pope.
Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, argued that women, around half of the congregants, had no direct say in electing Pope, holder of "Keys to the Kingdom of Heaven", who with about 1.2 billion adherents besides heading Roman Catholic Church also greatly impacted the religious scenario of the world. "The sad part of it is that as we, the religious leaders and religions, are all in it together and how one religion or religious leader acts ultimately impacts the whole religious arena and these kinds of actions make us all look outdated and unfair. Holy See being the largest religious organization in the world should show exemplary leadership in women equality to the rest of the planet," Zed pointed out.
Zed stressed that women could disseminate God's message as skillfully as men and deserved equal and full participation and access in religion. Women should be ordained to priesthood and should perform the same functions as male priests," he said.
"Treating women as not equal to men was clearly a case of discrimination promoting gender inequality. God never wanted us to undervalue our sisters, mothers and daughters," Zed argued.
His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI during mass in Vatican City on April 21, 2011, himself reportedly admitted that people were tired of their faith, people of God becoming population of non-believers, widespread abandonment of faith, people rejecting religion and distancing from God, etc.