Donate Here By Secure Server
Posted on 04/02/2004 7:48:31 AM PST by Hugenot
"Catholic involvement in political life cannot compromise on" the principle of "respect for the human person," because "otherwise the witness of the Christian faith in the world, as well as the unity and interior coherence of the faithful, would be non-existent," says the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith in a January 2003 document approved by Pope John Paul II.
"In this context, it must be noted also that a well-formed Christian conscience does not permit one to vote for a political program or an individual law which contradicts the fundamental contents of faith and morals," the document continues.
"This is the case with laws concerning abortion and euthanasia (not to be confused with the decision to forgo extraordinary treatments, which is morally legitimate). Such laws must defend the basic right to life from conception to natural death. In the same way, it is necessary to recall the duty to respect and protect the rights of the human embryo. Analogously, the family needs to be safeguarded and promoted, based on monogamous marriage between a man and a woman, and protected in its unity and stability in the face of modern laws on divorce: in no way can other forms of cohabitation be placed on the same level as marriage, nor can they receive legal recognition as such. The same is true for the freedom of parents regarding the education of their children; it is an inalienable right recognized also by the Universal Declaration on Human Rights."
Where does this leave John Kerry, a "Catholic" Senator who supports abortion on demand, opposese school choice, voted against the partial birth abortion ban, voted against the Defense of Marriage Act, and opposes a constitutional definition of marriage?
In the summer of 2003, Kerry responded to Vatican efforts to oppose gay marriage by stating, "I believe in the Church and I care about it enormously, but I think that it's important to not have the Church instructing politicians. That is an inappropriate crossing of the line in America."
The Vatican had already explained clearly that to promote "the common good of society, according to one's conscience," has nothing to do with "confessionalism" or "religious intolerance."
Meanwhile, as President Bush signed the Unborn Victims of Violence Act, he mused that by this action "we reaffirm that the United States of America is building a culture of life."
The culture of life is a central theme in the preaching of Pope John Paul II and is becoming a central theme of the Bush presidency.
Bush has also banned American financial support to international groups which support abortion, signed the partial birth abortion ban, extended legal protection to babies who survive abortions, and increased funding for abstinence education and alternatives to abortion.
So now, several leading Republicans are referring to Bush as a Catholic President. Once again, where does that leave John Kerry?
Dan
/c8
John Kerry could have added, "The Church should not be instructing politicians. It should stick to its true role in my campaign, that of providing backgrounds for my photo ops. It is very disheartening for me to learn that there are those in the Catholic church who would expect me actually to endorse or live some of the tenets of the faith. When will they understand that this is an inappropriate crossing of the line? My only "faith" is me, and my only religious exercise is trolling for votes...."
Excommunicated I hope.
Just one, the death cultists. He, evidently, hates unborn children.
This was the title of the article from a Catholic high school's newspaper website. It was composed by a priest in charge of educating young minds in these days of anything-goes. I'm sure most of the Catholic schoolkids that he speaks to are less tolerant of free and easy abortion than their government schooled peers, but its important for him to show the kids that the President is an admirable figure (like they find the Pope) on critical moral issues.
How else to deal with the baby-killer propaganda (concerning the Iraq war) that these Catholic schoolkids hear from their socialist-educated friends from the public schools? Some of them will be old enough to vote in November, they should be reminded that Kerry is a fake Catholic.
Sorry, that was actually my point but I guess I didn't make it very well. I'm very happy that both are in agreement.
Names? "Several leading Republicans" does not tell me much. Maybe I missed it.
IMO, President Bush and the Pope share Christian values. Mankind could stand more leaders like George and John.
In the Catholic tradition, responsible citizenship is a virtue; participation in the political process is a moral obligation. Faithful Citizenship
Catholic Ping - let me know if you want on/off this list
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.