[sinkspur]

Opposing war in Iraq is not, has never been, and will never be Church doctrine.

But, if a particular bishop thinks it is, or thinks that politicians supporting capital punishment (which has been pretty well condemned by JP II) should be refused the Eucharist, he will point to this "policy" as his pretext.

I don't think Gregory is trying to give the election to Kerry; I think he's trying to avoid giving the election to Kerry.

This kind of thing, if not handled deftly, has a way of backfiring.

[Catholicguy]

This kind of thing, if not handled deftly, has a way of backfiring

Balderdash. The truth divides and the Bishops had the duty to Teach, Rule, and Sanctify.

MORE DIVISION, LESS DEFTNESS.

[B Knotts]

But, if a particular bishop thinks it is, or thinks that politicians supporting capital punishment (which has been pretty well condemned by JP II) should be refused the Eucharist, he will point to this "policy" as his pretext.

Fine. We have canon law, and a legal system in which to adjudicate such matters.

The fear of what some dissenting bishops might do should not be a cause for inaction in the face of evil.

[narses]

This kind of thing, if not handled deftly, has a way of backfiring.

Care to share examples of Bishops with backbones that have had their efforts 'backfire'?

[DestroytheDemocrats]

"But, if a particular bishop thinks it is, or thinks that politicians supporting capital punishment (which has been pretty well condemned by JP II) "

Cute sinkspur but this is not on the radar screen and not likely to happen. It would not be theologicaly sound anyway because capital punishment is in the realm of prudential judgement abortion is not.