Post by sciwriter on Jun 19, 2007 7:59:09 GMT -7
news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070619/ap_on_re_eu/vatican_road_rage
Vatican's 10 Commandments for drivers By NICOLE WINFIELD, Associated Press
Writer
VATICAN CITY - The
Vatican on Tuesday issued a set of "Ten Commandments" for drivers, telling
motorists not to kill, not to drink and drive, and to help fellow travelers in
case of accidents.
An unusual document from the Vatican's office for migrants and itinerant people
also warned that cars can be "an occasion of sin" - particularly when they are
used for dangerous passing or for prostitution.
It warned about the effects of road rage, saying driving can bring out
"primitive" behavior in motorists, including "impoliteness, rude gestures,
cursing, blasphemy, loss of sense of responsibility or deliberate infringement
of the highway code."
It urged motorists to obey traffic regulations, drive with a moral sense, and to
pray when behind the wheel.
Cardinal Renato Martino, who heads the office, told a news conference that the
Vatican felt it necessary to address the pastoral needs of motorists because
driving had become such a big part of contemporary life.
He noted that the Bible was full of people on the move, including Mary and
Joseph, the parents of Jesus - and that his office is tasked with dealing with
all "itinerant" people - including refugees, prostitutes, truck drivers and the
homeless.
"We know that as a consequence of transgressions and negligence, 1.2 million
people die each year on the roads," Martino said. "That's a sad reality, and at
the same time, a great challenge for society and the church."
The document, "Guidelines for the Pastoral Care of the Road," extols the
benefits of driving - family outings, getting the sick to the hospital, allowing
people to see other cultures.
But it laments a host of ills associated with automobiles: drivers use their
cars to show off; driving "provides an easy opportunity to dominate others" by
speeding; drivers can kill themselves and others if they don't get their cars
regular tuneups, if they drink, use drugs or fall asleep at the wheel.
It also pointed the finger at traffic problems particular to Rome: "Danger also
derives from city cars, which are driven by youngsters and adults who do not
have (full) driving licenses, and the reckless use of motorbikes and
motorcycles."
It called for drivers to obey speed limits and to exercise a host of Christian
virtues: charity to fellow drivers, prudence on the roads, hope of arriving
safely and justice in the event of crashes.
And it suggested prayer might come in handy - making the sign of the cross
before starting off and saying the rosary along the way. The rosary was
particularly well suited to recitation by all in the car since its "rhythm and
gentle repetition does not distract the driver's attention."
The document is intended for bishops conferences around the world, and as such
offered recommendations for their pastoral workers, including setting up chapels
along motorways and having "periodic celebration of liturgies" at major road
hubs, truck stops and restaurants.
The "Drivers' Ten Commandments," as listed by the document, are:
1. You shall not kill.
2. The road shall be for you a means of communion between people and not of
mortal harm.
3. Courtesy, uprightness and prudence will help you deal with unforeseen events.
4. Be charitable and help your neighbor in need, especially victims of
accidents.
5. Cars shall not be for you an expression of power and domination, and an
occasion of sin.
6. Charitably convince the young and not so young not to drive when they are not
in a fitting condition to do so.
7. Support the families of accident victims.
8. Bring guilty motorists and their victims together, at the appropriate time,
so that they can undergo the liberating experience of forgiveness.
9. On the road, protect the more vulnerable party.
10. Feel responsible toward others.
Vatican's 10 Commandments for drivers By NICOLE WINFIELD, Associated Press
Writer
VATICAN CITY - The
Vatican on Tuesday issued a set of "Ten Commandments" for drivers, telling
motorists not to kill, not to drink and drive, and to help fellow travelers in
case of accidents.
An unusual document from the Vatican's office for migrants and itinerant people
also warned that cars can be "an occasion of sin" - particularly when they are
used for dangerous passing or for prostitution.
It warned about the effects of road rage, saying driving can bring out
"primitive" behavior in motorists, including "impoliteness, rude gestures,
cursing, blasphemy, loss of sense of responsibility or deliberate infringement
of the highway code."
It urged motorists to obey traffic regulations, drive with a moral sense, and to
pray when behind the wheel.
Cardinal Renato Martino, who heads the office, told a news conference that the
Vatican felt it necessary to address the pastoral needs of motorists because
driving had become such a big part of contemporary life.
He noted that the Bible was full of people on the move, including Mary and
Joseph, the parents of Jesus - and that his office is tasked with dealing with
all "itinerant" people - including refugees, prostitutes, truck drivers and the
homeless.
"We know that as a consequence of transgressions and negligence, 1.2 million
people die each year on the roads," Martino said. "That's a sad reality, and at
the same time, a great challenge for society and the church."
The document, "Guidelines for the Pastoral Care of the Road," extols the
benefits of driving - family outings, getting the sick to the hospital, allowing
people to see other cultures.
But it laments a host of ills associated with automobiles: drivers use their
cars to show off; driving "provides an easy opportunity to dominate others" by
speeding; drivers can kill themselves and others if they don't get their cars
regular tuneups, if they drink, use drugs or fall asleep at the wheel.
It also pointed the finger at traffic problems particular to Rome: "Danger also
derives from city cars, which are driven by youngsters and adults who do not
have (full) driving licenses, and the reckless use of motorbikes and
motorcycles."
It called for drivers to obey speed limits and to exercise a host of Christian
virtues: charity to fellow drivers, prudence on the roads, hope of arriving
safely and justice in the event of crashes.
And it suggested prayer might come in handy - making the sign of the cross
before starting off and saying the rosary along the way. The rosary was
particularly well suited to recitation by all in the car since its "rhythm and
gentle repetition does not distract the driver's attention."
The document is intended for bishops conferences around the world, and as such
offered recommendations for their pastoral workers, including setting up chapels
along motorways and having "periodic celebration of liturgies" at major road
hubs, truck stops and restaurants.
The "Drivers' Ten Commandments," as listed by the document, are:
1. You shall not kill.
2. The road shall be for you a means of communion between people and not of
mortal harm.
3. Courtesy, uprightness and prudence will help you deal with unforeseen events.
4. Be charitable and help your neighbor in need, especially victims of
accidents.
5. Cars shall not be for you an expression of power and domination, and an
occasion of sin.
6. Charitably convince the young and not so young not to drive when they are not
in a fitting condition to do so.
7. Support the families of accident victims.
8. Bring guilty motorists and their victims together, at the appropriate time,
so that they can undergo the liberating experience of forgiveness.
9. On the road, protect the more vulnerable party.
10. Feel responsible toward others.
