The "Really" File - (Our Chavez who art in heaven)

Our Father which art in heaven,

Matthew 6:9

"Venezuela's Roman Catholic Church has condemned the country's ruling Socialist Party for changing the words of the Lord's Prayer, addressing it to the late president, Hugo Chávez.

A representative of the Socialist Party, María Uribe, presented the so-called 'Delegate's Prayer' at a party meeting on September 1.

Uribe said: "Our Chávez, who art in heaven, the Earth, the seas, and we, delegates, hallowed be thy name. Thy legacy come, so we can spread it t people here and elsewhere. Give us this day light to guide us. Lead us not into the temptation of capitalism; deliver us from the evil of oligarchy, like the crime of contraband, because ours is the homeland, peace, and life. Forever and ever. Amen. Viva Chávez!"

From the "Really" File

Chávez was in power for 14 years. He died from cancer in March 2013, aged 58. His relationship with the Church was often strained, not least when the Church implicitly supported a two-day coup against the Socialist leader in 2002.

The current Venezuelan President, Nicolas Maduro, who describes himself as Chávez's 'spiritual son' said: "They couldn't get rid of Chávez while he was alive so now they want to persecute the people's spiritual love for him."

Cardinal Urosa asked the government and the Socialist party to avoid publicising the prayer "so that there isn't another reason for division among the Venezuelan people."

Most Venezuelans (96 per cent) describe themselves as Catholics, though much fewer regularly attend mass. Religious practice is often mixed with other influences,..." ChristianToday

REALLY?