A Catholic Speaker in the House [CINO Pelosi]

Catholic Exchange.com ^ | 01-05-07 | Maldonado-Berry

[Salvation]

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A Catholic Speaker in the House

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January 5, 2007

In the run-up to last November's mid-term elections, San Francisco Democrat Nancy Pelosi frequently countered the charge that she was the embodiment of radical, West Coast liberalism by reminding the interlocutor that she was a "Catholic grandmother."

With her Party's victory locked up, the pro-abortion, pro-gay "rights" and pro-embryonic stem-cell research politico is now Madame Speaker. Pelosi made it clear that as House Speaker, one of her top priorities in the first 100 hours of Democrat Control would be the introduction of a bill that would ease federal funding for embryonic stem-cell research.

It was not too long ago that President Bush vetoed a bill passed by Congress that would have lifted the restrictions on such research, restrictions that he put in place back in 2001. In vetoing the bill, President Bush declared, "This bill would support the taking of innocent human life in the hope of finding medical benefits for others; it crosses a moral boundary that our decent society needs to respect. So I vetoed it."   Buoyed by the latest election however, Pelosi and the Democrats have placed the issue near the top of their to-do list. So Nancy Pelosi, a practicing Catholic, will be the prime mover and public face of a bill that the Catholic Church clearly opposes. The issue of Catholic politicians placing themselves at odds with the Church's moral teaching is hardly a new one, but with Pelosi's high-profile ascent, it may soon be necessary for Church leadership in the United States to speak with greater moral clarity for the sake of the integrity of the Church's public witness to the defense of the human person.

It would be helpful to review past statements issued by United States bishops and Pope John Paul II regarding Catholics in the public square and their duty to defend the dignity of human life.

The late Holy Father, in Evangelium Vitae, declared that "[i]t is impossible to further the common good without acknowledging and defending the right to life, upon which all the other inalienable rights of individuals are found and from which they develop." Here, Pope John Paul II laid the foundation for any subsequent discussion of human rights -- namely the right of the living to live. It sounds simple enough, but the fog, or "tyranny," of relativism so prevalent today has clouded the ability of many to perceive this simple truth. Discussion about one's right to "choose" or one's right to "privacy" is meaningless and even contradictory if the most fundamental and primary right of the person simply to live and enjoy those secondary rights is denied from the beginning.

The United States Catholic Bishops issued a stern statement to Catholic public leaders in 1998. It merits a full quotation:

We urge those Catholic officials who choose to depart from Church teaching on the inviolability of human life in their public life to consider the consequences for their own spiritual well-being, as well as the scandal they risk by leading others into serious sin. We call on them to reflect on the grave contradiction of assuming public roles and presenting themselves as credible Catholics when their actions on fundamental issues of human life are not in agreement with Church teaching. No public official, especially one claiming to be a faithful and serious Catholic, can responsibly advocate for or actively support direct attacks on human life.

In 2004, there was much discussion over Senator Kerry's professed Catholicism and his fervent, decades-long support for abortion. The question presented was whether or not Catholic politicians who support abortion should present themselves for Communion. Clarity was sought from the Vatican, and the future pope, Cardinal Ratzinger, issued a characteristically no-nonsense statement that drew heavily from Evangelium Vitae:

In the case of an intrinsically unjust law, such as a law permitting abortion or euthanasia, it is therefore never licit to obey it, or to "take part in a propaganda campaign in favour of such a law or vote for it" (no. 73). Christians have a "grave obligation of conscience not to cooperate formally in practices which, even if permitted by civil legislation, are contrary to God's law. Indeed, from the moral standpoint, it is never licit to cooperate formally in evil.... This cooperation can never be justified either by invoking respect for the freedom of others or by appealing to the fact that civil law permits it or requires it" (no. 74).

In addition to reiterating the Church's position on abortion, Cardinal Ratzinger made an important, and often overlooked, distinction between acts that are intrinsically evil (abortion, euthanasia) and acts which allow for a variance of opinion because they are not evil, per se (war and capital punishment). For it is here that Cardinal Ratzinger rejected the so-called "seamless garment" position, which sought to dispense equal weight, in the moral sense, to various social issues. Catholic politicians can, in good conscience, disagree about the death penalty or war and present themselves for Communion. The same cannot be said of those supporting abortion.

As Nancy Pelosi assumes her new leadership role as Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, she has a grave responsibility to defend the most basic rights of the person, defined so eloquently in our own Declaration of Independence; "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."

Our late great pope, John Paul II, reminded us of our heritage when he stated that, "[a]t the center of the moral vision of founding documents is the recognition of the rights of the human person." He went on to say that our greatness as a nation is to be found "especially [in its] respect for the dignity and sanctity of human life in all conditions and at all stages of development."

In a 1995 speech in Newark, Pope John Paul II directly addressed every American. Eleven years later, these very words could now be addressed to Nancy Pelosi: "Your country stands upon the world scene as a model of a democratic society at an advanced stage of development. Your power of example carries with it heavy responsibilities. Use it well, America!" Indeed, use it well, Madame Speaker!

Maldonado-Berry is currently studying Social Communication at the University of Santa Croce in Rome. He also works for Vatican Information Service (VIS) and Rome Reports, a news agency in Rome that covers Church events.

[Salvation]

I am posting this, because it offers some counter-balance to all the media hype over the new female speaker.

It appears that she has a lot of pondering to do unless she wants to be excommunicated!!!!

[Salvation]

**The late Holy Father, in Evangelium Vitae, declared that "[i]t is impossible to further the common good without acknowledging and defending the right to life, upon which all the other inalienable rights of individuals are found and from which they develop."**

That says it for me.

[verum ago]

she actually pretends to be Catholic?!

[Salvation]

Even the bishops are speaking out!!

The United States Catholic Bishops issued a stern statement to Catholic public leaders in 1998. It merits a full quotation:

We urge those Catholic officials who choose to depart from Church teaching on the inviolability of human life in their public life to consider the consequences for their own spiritual well-being, as well as the scandal they risk by leading others into serious sin.

[Salvation]

Catechism of the Catholic Church and what it says about those who support abortion

What does this say about Speaker Pelosi?

[Salvation]

And now Pope Benedict XVI! There is the record clear? LOL!

**In addition to reiterating the Church's position on abortion, Cardinal Ratzinger made an important, and often overlooked, distinction between acts that are intrinsically evil (abortion, euthanasia) and acts which allow for a variance of opinion because they are not evil, per se (war and capital punishment). For it is here that Cardinal Ratzinger rejected the so-called "seamless garment" position, which sought to dispense equal weight, in the moral sense, to various social issues. Catholic politicians can, in good conscience, disagree about the death penalty or war and present themselves for Communion. The same cannot be said of those supporting abortion.**

[Salvation]

Moral Absolute Ping?

[Salvation]

Catholic Discussion Ping!

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[gabidale89]

I read that Hillary Clinton has a "religion advisor" who tells her when and how much to talk about her religious beliefs. (It's amazing that people need to be INSTRUCTED on something like religion!) So when I heard Nancy Pelosi speaking a bit about God in her swearing-in speech - and knowing her position on abortion, homosexuality, and embryonic stem cell research - I thought she might have a religion advisor, too. How pathetic!

[Loud Mime]

Personally, I don't believe that a liberal can be truly religious, unless they think that they are god.

[onyx]

I truly resent her passing herself off as one of us.

[Judith Anne]

I am an actual live Catholic Grandmother. So are many friends of mine.

Nancy Pelosi is nothing but a CINO hypocrite who has excommunicated herself. If/when she takes communion, it is a grave scandal. She is disgusting.

[Sun]

The libs want Catholic votes, and I'm afraid too many Catholics will be/have been duped.

Hillary and Bill Clinton would not have been elected without the Catholic vote.

[onyx]

Same here, Judith Anne, and I ditto your comments.

[tioga]

Excommunicated? You mean like teddy kennedy or john kerry? LOL, never happen.

[pissant]

I'd take a druid over this ignorant b*tch.

[tioga]

I stood in church and listened to the husband of a local school teacher exclaim that hillary was wonderful -- I called him out on it and he made it a point to try to engage me in debate over and over. I asked him if he could support a woman who supported abortion on demand and he tried to tell me I was mistaken about hillary being pro abortion.....I told him to go to the internet and check her voting record as a Senator......he hasn't bothered me since, but I bet he will be voting for her. I attend a Catholic church. There are a great many cafeteria Catholics. And his wife at one time was a Catholic school teacher. I am not sure of her position, but I would bet she is a hillary supporter as well. It disgusts me to see hillary supporters at my own church, but they do exist.

[DarthVader]

Describes Bela Pelosi perfectly:

Proverbs 28:14-18

14Happy is the one who is never without fear,
but one who is hard-hearted will fall into calamity.
15Like a roaring lion or a charging bear
is a wicked ruler over a poor people.
16A ruler who lacks understanding is a cruel oppressor;
but one who hates unjust gain will enjoy a long life.
17If someone is burdened with the blood of another,
let that killer be a fugitive until death;
let no one offer assistance.
18One who walks in integrity will be safe,
but whoever follows crooked ways will fall into the Pit.*

[onyx]

She's doing grandly right now.

[DarthVader]

Cafeteria Catholic = Proverbs 14:12 12There is a way that seems right to a person, but its end is the way to death.*

[DarthVader]

Verse 17 says alot.

[tioga]

Thanks, my son and I were discussing something and that quote is exactly what I need to respond to him. God works in mysterious ways.

[Sun]

I was at a Catholic Church in a neighboring town, and asked a man who was friendly (because I was new to that Church) where the Republican headquarters was.

He kidingly told me, I don't know if I should tell you, because I'm a Democrat. I told him I was supporting the Republican for Governor, because he was pro-life. He didn't know what to say, and walked away from me.

I can't figure people sometimes.

[DarthVader]

"I can't figure people sometimes."

They can't handle true righteousness standards that they are required to aspire and live up to if they call themselves Christian.

[Caravaggio]

I blame cowardly bishops for pro-choice catholics who arrogantly defy Church teaching then have the AUDACITY to still call themselves "practicing Catholics".

This is a SCANDAL to the faithful and the Bishops should excommunicate them if (after sufficient warnings), they refuse to change their position. If even ONE pro-choice catholic was excommunicated as an example, I am SURE the others would start to take their faith more seriously. I don't know WHY the bishops just wont do this.

They have an OBLIGATION to do SOMETHING as many souls are at stake - weak-minded catholics who see this take place and are influenced by the politicians actions and the lack of discipline they receive from the Church, as well as the politicians themselves.

[Aussie Dasher]

Pelosi is NOT a Catholic. She's a baby killer. The two are mutually exclusive!

[Northern Yankee]

I see many of these people in my parish as well.

They do not see the conflict, which tells me that they do not understand their faith, and the responsibility that comes with it.

[Tax-chick]

Pray for them.

[Miss Marple]

Yep, mine too. I am often intrigued by these folks. Do they not take the Church seriously? Why do they think they can pick and choose? What if others chose different things to disobey?

As a convert, it mystifies me. If they want to be pro-choice, pro- abortion, etc. then why don't they join an Episopal or liberal Lutheran church?

And if the answer is that those aren't the true Church, then why don't they value the Church and listen to her?

[Northern Yankee]

I do believe that many use the term "Catholic" for merely the votes that it might garner them.

Very despicable.

I sure hope the church starts cracking down on those who choose pro-choice agendas that undermine the teachings of the church.

[madprof98]

Even the bishops are speaking out!!

The United States Catholic Bishops issued a stern statement to Catholic public leaders in 1998.

Speaking out in 1998, eh? Gosh, in another 8-10 years, perhaps they will even DO SOMETHING to back up their words.

[Salvation]

**How pathetic!**

Indeed, for both of them!

[Salvation]

**I truly resent her passing herself off as one of us.**

Me too! Maddening.

[Salvation]

**Nancy Pelosi is nothing but a CINO hypocrite who has excommunicated herself. If/when she takes communion, it is a grave scandal. She is disgusting.**

Leading others astray, is a grave sin. Yes!

[Salvation]

I believe it already has happened in God's eyes. They have excommunicated themselves through their own actions.

[Salvation]

** asked a man who was friendly (because I was new to that Church) where the Republican headquarters was. **

Good way to check the waters in a new church! LOL! (Can you imagine running into Nancy P at church and asking her that question??

LOL!

[netmilsmom]

Catholic anymore is "do what you want" because everyone else does.
The church is a pretty place to have your wedding, a gathering place to show off your new baby in white for baptism, a place to dress your child up and have a party the size of a wedding reception for First Communion, and confirmation is optional.

We've taken our Holy Mass and made it a big "love-in", gesturing as the priest does, holding hands and singing "praise songs".

Our CCD is so watered down. My wonderful Pastor (God Bless him and give him long life) said of the books used at my old parish, "You get more Catholic teachings at the local Bible church than in those books."

Pete in the Pew has no clue and many Bishops aren't helping. My Uncle (who is one) wrote to me this Christmas and said, "The world would be a better place if parents took the ball on education." The people in these parishes can't be blamed in some ways.

But we can change things. Find a good parish, one using the CCC. Volunteer and work hard. We who know need to lead those who don't.
It's a narrow path and we are on it. Our Lord wants us to help the others find it.

[Salvation]

**Pelosi is NOT a Catholic.**

That's why I added CINO in the title.

[Salvation]

**perhaps they will even DO SOMETHING to back up their words.**

Good suggestion. I did not check the date on the statement. Thanks.

[madprof98]

My wonderful Pastor (God Bless him and give him long life) said of the books used at my old parish, "You get more Catholic teachings at the local Bible church than in those books."

Well put. The children are catechized with "be nice" texts and lots of pics to cut/color.

[Salvation]

**But we can change things. Find a good parish, one using the CCC. Volunteer and work hard. We who know need to lead those who don't.
It's a narrow path and we are on it. Our Lord wants us to help the others find it.**

An excellent deliberation and decision on how to use the gifts we have been given and "give back" to the Child Jesus! Happy Little Christmas/Epiphany!

[RobbyS]

Probably someone like Father Drinan. Unfortunately there are plenty of "progressive" priests who have advised her over the years. Cardinal Bernadrin gave Catholic pols a cover with his "seemless garment" speech. Thereafter they could claims to be "90-percent in accord with Catholic teaching (the part that coincided with the social gospel) and were fee to ignore teaching on
great issues like abortion and now stem cell research. I favor a light application of the death penalty, but to put that issue on the same level as abortion on demand is the height of sophistry.

[Fudd Fan]

"use it well, Madame Speaker!"

Suuuuure, she will.

[right-wingin_It]

I hold the liberal progressive priest's and their superiors responsilbe for this. They are allowing her to do these photo ops. Some of them get money from her...like this got for his university (Univ. of San Fran.):

[right-wingin_It]

Pelosi Secures $115 Million for San Francisco Transportation, Housing, Science, and Arts

Tuesday, November 22, 2005

Contact: Brendan Daly/Jennifer Crider, 202-226-7616

Washington, D.C. – House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi announced she secured $115.11 million for San Francisco projects in the fiscal year 2006 Transportation, Treasury, Housing and Urban Development, the Judiciary, the District of Columbia, and Independent Agencies Appropriations Act.

“San Francisco’s public transportation system, bridges, and roadways will continue to improve because of this significant federal investment,” Pelosi said. “I am also proud to have secured funds to provide housing for the homeless, expand scientific research, and promote the arts.”

Pelosi announced the following projects received funds:

• $81.9 million for the BART-San Francisco International Airport Extension Project. The 8.7-mile extension added four BART stations and service to SFO. The project also provides commuter access to the Caltrain rail service at Millbrae station. This is the final installment of federal funds Pelosi and the Bay Area delegation worked to secure for this project over several years.
• $25 million for the San Francisco Muni Third Street Light Rail Project to extend the light rail line underground into San Francisco’s Chinatown district.

[SNIP]

• $500,000 to assist with development of the new de Young Museum.
• $400,000 for the University of San Francisco Center for Science and the Environment to buy equipment for laboratories and upgrades and renovation of the Harney Science Center.

The House passed the bill last week by a vote of 392 to 31. The Senate must now approve the legislation before it can be signed into law by the President.

[Aliska]

Talk talk talk. Sometimes this makes me doubt my faith altogether. If there is truly a God, why does He put up with this for so long and so many, many lives literally sacrificed on the altar of convenience and scientific progress?

The bishops are going to do nothing but talk and wave papers from Rome, issue a statement now and then that falls on deaf ears because it isn't accompanied by thunderbolts. It would tear the church apart in America and other parts of the world, and they can't afford to have that happen. The excommunicants would rebel, band together, picket the "evil, backward" church and come forward for communion anyway in a show of power to the people, finding a priest (or bishop) who will break the rules for mammon. Then they don't do anything about those either.

Without powerful spiritual authority, it is hard enough to argue against abortion but even harder to argue against embryonic stem cell research. Even on purely secular grounds, a weak [logical] argument can be made because every human that was allowed to be born like every one of us was once an embryo, blastocyst, zygote, whatever new label they want to give it to obscure what it really is, with 46 and sometimes extra chromosomes, completely human in incubus.

I'm all for equality of women, but it's usually women like this who rise to the top, shewolves in Saks clothing, and I can see why it wouldn't be a good thing for them to be allowed to be priests or hold high office in the church, even though much of the male leadership leaves a lot to be desired. Some women would remain faithful, so it isn't fair to paint them all with the same brush. I guess I would rather follow a faithful woman than a priest who has compromised the most critical tenets of the faith.

I swear, I hold the privilege of being able to choose our own leaders dear, but in the end, I wonder if it is some grand experiment in the eternal scheme of things to prove that man is incapable of governing himself.

Just because I "feel" so ardently about it, does it mean I am right? The other side evidently "feels" just as ardently in opposition.

We have been reduced to nothing more than tiny seedlings in a garden where you rip some out so the others will have more room to grow. I try to plant my seeds so I won't have to lose so many lol. There is something in me that doesn't like to wantonly destroy them, but weeds are a different matter :-). So that is not a good analogy, but I've thought about it a lot. It is very hard because they are so tiny. You have to plant more to be sure you will get at least some, and sometimes you get more than you can use and transplant without help or giving them to someone who truly wants them.

We have been given dominion over them and the animals, but not human life. To me, this trend is truly messing with the metaphorical tree of life. Some are "eating" from it, and nothing discernable is happening. Spiritualy, there doesn't seem to be anything happening either to the prononents of what I consider a great evil.

They are saying Bush will go down as the worst president in history. Surely he will be rewarded for trying on these life issues. I hope.

[Chi-townChief]

I get the feeling that Pelosi is just another phony Catholic like our IL Senator Dick Durbin who sits in the front row and is first in line for communion whenever he feels like gracing the cathedral with his presence.

[netmilsmom]

>>Happy Little Christmas/Epiphany!<<

And the same to you!
Gotta get that tree down!

[Frank_2001]

Agreed!

[kstewskis]

I see many of these people in my parish as well. They do not see the conflict, which tells me that they do not understand their faith, and the responsibility that comes with it.

The unfortunate reality of many Catholics today.

Like Tax-chick said. Pray for them, that they come back to learn their true faith.