Posted on 08/27/2008 10:44:02 AM PDT by jazusamo
House Republicans are demanding that Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) apologize for her recent comments on abortion, saying they “mangle Catholic Church doctrine.” The letter comes just a day after Archbishop Donald Wuerl, for the second time in a week, slapped down the Speaker's theological explanation for her support of abortion rights.
Pelosi, a Catholic, said on Sunday’s edition of “Meet the Press” that the moment of conception has long been an issue of controversy in the Catholic Church. In a highly unusual move, Wuerl publicly corrected Pelosi on doctrine, and New York Archbishop Edward Cardinal Egan said he was “shocked” by her comments.
Egan said, “What the Speaker had to say about theologians and their positions regarding abortion was not only misinformed; it was also, and especially, utterly incredible in this day and age. ... Anyone who dares to defend that they may be legitimately killed because another human being ‘chooses’ to do so or for any other equally ridiculous reason should not be providing leadership in a civilized democracy worthy of the name.”
Now, a group of 19 Catholic Republican House members are also expressing their outrage. In a letter sent to Pelosi, they write, “[Y]our erroneous claim about the history of the Church’s opposition to abortion is false and denigrates our common Faith.”
They point out that in 1679, the Church unequivocally said it is in “an error for Catholics to believe fetuses do not have a soul.”
The Republicans' letter concludes, “To reduce the scandal and consternation caused amongst the faithful by your remarks, we necessarily write to you to correct the public record and affirm the Church’s actual and historical teaching that defends the sanctity of human life. We hope that you will rectify your errant claims and apologize for misrepresenting the Church’s doctrine and misleading fellow Catholics.”
Pelosi spokesman Brendan Daly issued a statement Tuesday in which the Speaker stood by her comments. He said that not all Catholics believe that life begins at conception and cited St. Augustine, who said, "The law does not provide that the act [abortion] pertains to homicide, for there cannot yet be said to be a live soul in a body that lacks sensation."
Wuerl blasted Pelosi’s statement, saying the “philosophical discussion of St. Augustine’s time is not relevant today.”
In his statement, Daly also said, “The Speaker agrees with the Church that we should reduce the number of abortions. She believes that can be done by making family planning more available, as well as by increasing the number of comprehensive age-appropriate sex education and caring adoption programs.”
Asked for comment on the House Republican letter, Daly referred to Tuesday’s statement.
The GOP members who signed the letter are: Thaddeus McCotter (Mich.), John Boehner (Ohio), Steve Chabot (Ohio), Virginia Foxx (N.C.), Phil Gingrey (Ga.), Peter King (N.Y.), Steve King (Iowa), Daniel Lungren (Calif.), Devin Nunes (Calif.), John Sullivan (Okla.), Patrick Tiberi (Ohio), Phil English (Pa.), Jean Schmidt (Ohio), Jim Walsh (N.Y.), Jeff Fortenberry (Neb.), Michael McCaul (Texas), Paul Ryan (Wis.), Walter Jones (N.C.) and Mike Ferguson (N.J.).
Pressure on her should be very public and on every front possible. America needs to see these crackpots for what they are.
I think Pelosi needs to visit a Confessional quick. She should bring her Rosary Beads. I am sure she will have a considerable penance when the priest gets through with her.
WHAT AN IDIOT! Does that mean that those that become Paralyzed and lack feeling in their bodies are now Soulless?? How about those in a Coma, heck what about people under anesthesia? Does this mean those people can be ....aborted.... with impunity?
Nancy, you GOT to stop beating yourself with the Stupid stick, you are leaving BIG ugly marks.
Yes, she is truly a stupid woman.
Thought you might be interested.
Let’s hope she keeps spouting her radical “Progressive” insanity. This, mixed with her arrogance and STUPIDITY will help with the Congressional elections. Vote and pray for a Repub majority in the House and Senate. We can only hope.
What a great side story to be playing out during the dem convention, yeah let’s have Pelosi argue for her extremist abortionist view through November.
She’s a great spokeswoman for the dems.
Not that I mind some Pelosi discomfort but who named the House GOP as the guardians of Catholic Church doctrine? It appears to me that the Church is more than capable of minding its doctrine all on it's own.
Completely agree...For her to get mixed up in this at a time like this is absolute proof of her stupidity and that stupid isn’t going to go away.
She is a very nasty stupid woman.
I don’t believe there’s a thing wrong with a little prodding.
Yes, pretty scary for the “most powerful woman in America”.
The Church will not agree with Pelosi that a reduction in the number of abortions is an accurate reflection of The Church's position on abortion. But she knows that.
I wouldn't invite her to attend a Protestant service until they were past the open confession part of the service out of the same concern.
Best for Nancy to just forget the Catholic part of her life and move on to beastiality with live animals and cannibalism (if she hasn't already done so).
Frankly, she's beyond redemption.
Perfect timing...
Why?
She’s obviously not Catholic.
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