Spanish rock band invited to World Youth day

[Fidei Defensor]

[url="http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/new.php?n=4565"]http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/new.php?n=4565[/url]

Santiago, Aug. 04, 2005 (CNA) - In an interview with a popular music website in Chile, the Christian rock band from Argentina, Rescate, which boasts of being “the only Hispanic artists that will participate in the closing concert for the XX World Youth Day,” criticized Pope Benedict XVI, who will be the central figure at the celebrations in Cologne, Germany.

The 8-member rock band told the Chilean website “Musica123” that the group seeks “to spread the message of Jesus in a language that is understandable to every person.”

In the interview granted during their first visit to Chile, the band said, “Personally, we don’t think the Pope is God’s representative on earth. Jesus came to do away with any intermediary between God and man, and therefore we have a direct relationship with Him.”

“To me the Pope’s strength is more political than spiritual,” said vocalist and band leader Ulises Eyherabide. “This Pope, who is so orthodox, so rigid and not very ecumenical in eyes of some, could turn out to be a surprise because of how he might be forced to change due to political situations from which he cannot escape.” “Replacing John Paul II obviously has more of a political than a spiritual significance,” he added.

Asked about their own religious identity, the band members said, “We are followers of Christ beyond any specific identity. You can define yourself as a Catholic and be…I don’t know… Today we have a Pope who in theory represents the entire Church. Nevertheless, there are those who say this is not the case. Therefore, why divide Jesus even more when in reality He came for all of mankind? Religion is responsible for creating these differences.”

Not only will Rescate represent the majority Catholic Spanish-speaking peoples of the world at the closing concert for World Youth Day on August 21, the band’s song “Quitamancha” will be included on the official WYD CD entitled “Building One World,” which will remind young people for years to come of the largest Catholic event in the world, with Pope Benedict XVI being the central figure in attendance.

Doug Archer, co-founder of the Catholic music website CatholicMusicNetwork.com (Reddemusicacatolica.com), said he knew little about the Argentinean band. “In any case, I am aware of many excellent artists from the Spanish-speaking world who are very well-known and completely Catholic, and who could have a great impact at World Youth Day

[Guest Eremite]

[quote]Jesus came to do away with any intermediary between God and man[/quote]

Funny how he used "intermediaries" to write the New Testament.

I'm no rock fan, but these guys should be booted and Seven Sorrows should be slotted in their place. :

I'm curious. Are there gonna be any Catholic hip hop artists at WYD?

[SarahB]

It's great to know those in charge of WYD are really looking into these things. *sarcasm*

[peach_cube]

What a great influence they will be on the youth.

Maybe they're Lauren Hill fans...

[Mateo el Feo]

Here is a link for contacting the organizers of World Youth Day:

[url="http://www.wjt2005.de/index.php?id=99&size=2&si=3#kform"]http://www.wjt2005.de/index.php?id=99&size=2&si=3#kform[/url]

I'm curious why a band that is bad-mouthing the Pope has been invited to perform in front of Catholic youth who might like the pope.

I'm going to ask the organizers what they are thinking.

[Mateo el Feo]

Here's what I sent them:

[quote]I just read an article about the band "Rescate" that will be given a stage to speak and perform in front of Catholic Youth at this year's World Youth Day.  Here is a link to the article:

[url="http://www.cwnews.com/news/viewstory.cfm?recnum=38853"]http://www.cwnews.com/news/viewstory.cfm?recnum=38853[/url]

Of particular concern to me is the following statement from a band member:

"Personally, we don't think the Pope is God's representative on earth. Jesus came to do away with any intermediary between God and man, and therefore we have a direct relationship with Him."

If this band takes the stage of WYD, would you be surprised if it were to repeat this sentiment to the young Catholic audience?  Would any listener be prompted to question the importance of the Sacramental life by someone with this perspective?

My belief is that the purpose of the WYD event is to deepen each participant's love for the Catholic Faith.  By sponsoring an organization (i.e. Rescate) who seems to reject the basics of Catholicism and believes that organized religion in general is "bad", what fruits will result from this event?

I would appreciate if you would kindly let me know how this issue is being addressed.  I'd also be interested in knowing if procedures will be established to avoid a situation like this in future WYD events.

God bless you.[/quote]

[Thy Geekdom Come]

Hopefully World Youth Day will be a wonderful conversion experience for them.

[Dreamweaver]

Uh, if they think so "wonderfully" of the pope, why would they accept the WYD gig?

[peach_cube]

[quote name='Dreamweaver' date='Aug 6 2005, 11:43 PM']Uh, if they think so "wonderfully" of the pope, why would they accept the WYD gig?
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cha-chinge $$$$$$

[Colleen]

Maybe if the members of this band were a bit more open-minded and if they bothered to take the time to read what Pope Benedict has actually wrote and said, they would find the Pope to be very open to ecumenical dialogue and very willing to listen to what people have to say.

I must say, I am quite disappointed in WYD's organizers. . . .

[Piccoli Fiori JMJ]

Maybe this is an opporunity for some ol' fashioned "burning at the stake"

[Paladin D]

[quote name='FutureNunJMJ' date='Aug 7 2005, 12:51 PM']Maybe this is an opporunity for some ol' fashioned "burning at the stake"
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I'll get the wood! :

[Spiritual_Arsonist]

[quote name='Colleen' date='Aug 7 2005, 12:20 PM']Maybe if the members of this band were a bit more open-minded and if they bothered to take the time to read what Pope Benedict has actually wrote and said, they would find the Pope to be very open to ecumenical dialogue and very willing to listen to what people have to say.

I must say, I am quite disappointed in WYD's organizers. . . .
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I second this.

[Sinner]

I just sent a letter of complaint as well............ we'll see.

[Laudate_Dominum]

*gags* I wish they'd come here so we could debate 'em.

[Sinner]

I got a reply from WYD folks. Short and simple:

Dear Vincent,

Thank you for your concern; the band Rescate will not be performing at this year´s WYD.

Sincerely in Christ,

The Pilgrim Service Center



WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOT !

Deal with it.

[Cam42]

[quote]“This Pope, who is so orthodox, so rigid and not very ecumenical in eyes of some, could turn out to be a surprise because of how he might be forced to change due to political situations from which he cannot escape.” [/quote]

He got it half right.....

[littleflower+JMJ]

[quote name='Sinner' date='Aug 9 2005, 02:28 PM']I got a reply from WYD folks.  Short and simple:

Dear Vincent,

Thank you for your concern; the band Rescate will not be performing at this year´s WYD.

Sincerely in Christ,

The Pilgrim Service Center
WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOT !

Deal with it.  
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[geetarplayer]

Take that, Rescate!

[Spiritual_Arsonist]

As in the words of that N'sync song...

BYE, BYE, BYE