[rmichaelj]

However a more basic and less confrontational approach would be for everyone’s pastor to, at least on occasion, speak against abortion from the pulpit instead of the usual homily about how Jesus just wants us to have hope no matter the circumstance or some other feel good homily applied week to week, that just tickles the ears and nothing else ad nauseum.

I understand what you are saying but disagree (mostly). In my part of the country, all the Bishops and all except the most liberal of priests are vocal against abortion. You still have Catholics voting for proabort politicians (although I grant not as many as in your part of the country). This really is an example of what you do is more effective than what you say. To be honest in my opinion it has gotten so confused now, that I think nothing short of public excommunications will clarify the issue. And in these cases excommunication is actually a mercy as it will leave the person under no illusions as to if they are Catholic or not.

[FourtySeven]

To be honest in my opinion it has gotten so confused now, that I think nothing short of public excommunications will clarify the issue. And in these cases excommunication is actually a mercy as it will leave the person under no illusions as to if they are Catholic or not.

What you say is true but I'd have to disagree when you say...

In my part of the country, all the Bishops and all except the most liberal of priests are vocal against abortion. You still have Catholics voting for proabort politicians (although I grant not as many as in your part of the country). This really is an example of what you do is more effective than what you say.

Because you're right, and I'd say even more that the majority of Catholics from wherever you are do not support abortion and vote against it, while here, in Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania (around Philly) and Delaware, New York etc, in this area, you don't hear one homily ever about the evils of abortion, and that's why I can guarantee you this needs to be done first at least here, before resorting to the "nuclear" Canon 915 option.

It does no good to someone to say you're banned from Communion and/or excommunicated if you vote for abortion if they've never heard anything from the pulpit other than "Jesus loves you and just wants you to be happy". If some courageous priest around here lays down the 915 hammer, he's both ostracized by his brother priests and his parishioners go elsewhere to hear that soothing homily. And I've never heard one bishop write or say anything about the evil, here in Baltimore.

With that kind of shepherding, what's a "good" Catholic to think? And exactly how effectual (or even possible to expect) would resorting to 915 be?