The Pope, the Secret Service, and the Sikhs

Pope Benedict XVI will have a meeting with interfaith leaders during his US trip, but the Secret Service has said Sikhs will not be permitted to attend. It looks like the pope and the US Bishops Conference are going along with the Secret Service.

The World Sikh Council has expressed its disappointment.

“We have to respect the sanctity of the Kirpaan, especially in such interreligious gatherings. We cannot undermine the rights and freedoms of religion in the name of security. Pope John Paul II met Sikhs in the Vatican, wearing their Kirpaans” said Dr. Anahat Kaur, Secretary General of WSC-AR.