ADMIN: The Death of the Pope

[carolynwhite2]

Kaesa:
Now, not being a very experienced HPFGU member, I am not entirely 
sure where previous Admin decisions on this subject lie, but I don't 
think this topic is likely to start a flamewar - I mean, how many 
people would seriously get angry with posters for mourning a 
religious leader's death?

Saitana:
Just because he was the Pope, doesn't mean we shouldn't honor the man 
he was. Religion does not always play a part when one wishes to give 
their respects upon the death of a great human being.

I could have sworn the three banned topic had been rescinded, leaving 
them free to be discussed, religion being one of them (Religion, 
politics, and...Hitler? I can never remember the third).

Dina:
However, this is an off-topic group. Are religious discussions banned 
from here? <snip>
Simple curiosity, if folks remain polite, are certain topics still
banned from an off-topic group?

Carolyn:
As I recall, the three banned topics used to be politics, religion 
and the holocaust. The current rules seem to be as set out here:
 

(HPfGU FAQ document http://sitepalace.com/hbfile/faq.html):

<<Q: Are any discussion topics banned?

Not right now. In the past, some topics were banned when it became 
clear that list members could not remain civil during these 
discussions.  We would prefer not to ban topics, but reserve the 
right to impose a ban should it become necessary.>>

In this instance, Admin has indicated that this topic is off-limits, 
and I would like to thank them for that decision. 

The Pope represents a particular set of beliefs which many people 
feel very strongly about. It may be possible to have an objective 
discussion about the issues involved, but it is unlikely. The 
messages which have been posted already imply that everyone can at 
least agree he was a 'great' man, for instance - a POV which I find 
extremely offensive, and profoundly disagree with.

I don't want to start a flame war, and will not post further about 
the subject, but the topic is one which is very far from innocuous.