[Harry Rex Vonner]

As effecting the world as a whole, the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI is far more important than the reelection of Obama.

Pope Benedict XVI was and is a strong, unbending supporter of and believer of the basic tenets of the Catholic Church. He believes that these tenets do not change to suit the times or to suit the liberalization of many, maybe most, Catholics around the world. These beliefs are, to him, nonnegotiable.

The new pope may well be somewhat more liberal in order to appeal to the more liberal members of the Catholic Church. I hope that is not the case. The Church cannot liberalize its basic beliefs to better suit those who wish to pick and choose what to follow and what not to follow (ie: Cafeteria Catholics).

If the Church liberalizes its stand on its core beliefs, it may as well cease to exist. There are absolutes for which we are all responsible. These absolutes have been in effect for over 2,000 years. These absolutes do not change. Too many churches in the world of today, including the Catholic Church, are relaxing their standards in an effort to attract more members. I believe this is a mistake, possibly a fatal mistake, for all of them.