Is the Catholic Church a force for good?

“Is the Catholic Church a force for good in the world?” was the topic for an interesting debate recently aired on BBC World.

The outcome was entirely unsurprising – not due to the unbalanced quality of the speakers, but because of the clearly unassailable position of the church. I honestly feel that it would be easier to argue that a large multinational corporation is a force for good. What does that say about the world?

Here’s the video playlist (it’s long, but worthwhile):

Here’s a summary from the YouTube page:

Aired 11-7-09 on BBC World

Is the Catholic church a force for good in the world?

“It stands up for the oppressed and offers spiritual succour to billions say the Church’s supporters. But what about the Church’s teachings on condoms, gays and women priests, ask the detractors.”

Speaking for the motion, Archbishop John Onaiyekan and Anne Widdencombe MP. Speaking against the motion, Christopher Hitchens and Stephen Fry.

via VideoSift.