Historically ignorant bishops take the knee for the Crusades

It is depressing to observe the bishops’ taking the knee to apologise for the Crusades. These took place centuries ago and constitute events for which they have no conceivable responsibility. They also appear ignorant of history.

Victory by the (Sunni Muslim) Seljuk Turks over the Byzantines at the battle of Manzikert in 1071 by the Seljuk emir Alp Arslan seriously weakened the empire, which was a bulwark for stability. This event destabilised the balance of power in the Near East. The Turks’ raiding also caused considerable damage, including to Muslim states. Moreover, they captured Jerusalem from the Fatamids, Shia Muslim rulers based in Egypt.

Contrary to usual practice, the Turks prevented Christian pilgrims from visiting the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. This was usually accessible on payment of the taxes current in normal relations between East and West. In 1009 the mad Fatamid Caliph al Hakim demolished the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Pope Sergius called for military action in response to this desecration.

However, following the Caliph’s disappearance-probably assassinated because of his instability, the subsequent Fatamid government rebuilt the church. This restored the status quo. No military action took place and peaceful relations continued. These included pilgrimage and trade.

Politically correct commentators often say that there was no pretext for the First Crusade. On the contrary, the Turks were a considerable military threat and broke the usual arrangements which maintained peace. Therefore, the Western powers had a reasonable causa bello for the time. Unfortunately, the bishops’ political correctness leads to a suspect grasp of history, an unwillingness to learn, and a situation where they don’t need to be grovelling on their knees.