Reply #115: Oh, I'm sure some of them were not enlightened enough.

[El Supremo]

However, my namesake ancestors, who lived near Salem, were forced to become Puritans in name only. They were not that accepting of any dogma. Our progenitor (1st in America) did not flee religious persecution in England. He just wanted to get rich in America.

My Quaker ancestors did flee both England (the Anglican church) and Ireland (the Roman Church) because of persecution.

My Southern Presbyterian ancestors probably used the Bible to justify their ownership of slaves. I understand Catholics did the same thing.

I guess we're getting a little off track. I think that one reason for all the talk about what this Pope has accomplished, is that with his death and the election of a new Pope, the church has an opportunity for change. That change causes much anxiety in some people.