POPE BENEDICT XVI: “The Church does not engage in proselytism. Instead, she grows by attraction... she accomplishes every one of her works in spiritual and practical imitation of the love of her Lord. Charitable works cannot be used as a means of engaging in proselytism. Love is free. It is not practiced as a way of achieving other ends. Those who practice charity in the Church’s name will never seek to impose the Church’s faith upon others. They realize that a pure and generous love is the best witness to the God in whom we believe and by whom we are driven to love. They know when it is time to speak of God and when it is better to say nothing and to let love alone speak. They know that God is love, and that God’s presence is felt at the very time when the only thing we do is to love.”
Great quote! It's important to distinguish between proselytising and evangelising, and to know how to evangelise without attempting to force others to believe (as no one can be forced into believing).
ST. POPE JOHN PAUL II: “The new evangelization calls for followers of Christ who are unconditionally pro-life: who will proclaim, celebrate and serve the Gospel of life in every situation. The dignity of human life must never be taken away, even in the case of someone who has done great evil. Modern society has the means of protecting itself, without definitively denying criminals the chance to reform. I renew the appeal I made most recently at Christmas for a consensus to end the death penalty, which is both cruel and unnecessary.” - Jan. 27, 1999, St. Louis, Missouri
