Knights of Columbus Battle To Expel Pro-Abort Politician Members

The Wanderer ^ | August 4, 2004

[cpforlife.org]

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Issue Date August 4, 2004

Knights Battle . . .

To Expel Pro-Abort Politician Members

(Special to The Wanderer)

  DALLAS — As the American Catholic Church hierarchy contends with notorious pro-abortion Catholic politicians — who publicly defy Church teaching in their political lives while flaunting their Catholicism by receiving Communion — state delegates of the Knights of Columbus are contending with a proposal to expel member Knights in politics who support abortion rights.

  This issue has been simmering in the Knights of Columbus for decades. But this year, as delegates meet in Dallas from August 3 to 5 for their national convention, a determined group of Knights from California and other states was expected to force the issue at the national convention.

  Resolution N. 48 was submitted by ten KC councils in California; it was passed at the California KC State Convention in May. The resolution requires ipso facto forfeiture of membership for any public official who promotes abortion, infanticide, euthanasia, or assisted suicide.

  As The Wanderer went to press on July 29, proponents of the measure were planning to go public to the international media covering the conference, and even to engage in public demonstrations to denounce any efforts to suppress the measure.

  In California, two examples that Knights focused on were Los Angeles Assemblyman Rudy Bermudez and Orange County Assemblyman Lou Correa, both of whom have long public voting records supporting abortion and even celebrating the Roe v. Wade decision in legislative acts.

  Bermudez publicly lists on his web site that he is a member of the Norwalk Knights of Columbus as he compiles a nearly perfect pro-abortion voting record. He has been recognized by Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California for his "unwavering 100% commitment to reproductive choice and family planning during the 2002 legislative year."

  Correa, a member of the Garden Grove Council voted in four recent legislative sessions to give $200,000,000 to unrestricted Medi-Cal funding for abortion.

  On a national level, the collaboration of Knight-politicians — who enjoy the privileges, honors, and benefits of the Knights of Columbus membership — in the "culture of death" machine is a scandal not only to all Knights, but to the entire Church in the United States.

  For years, charges have flown that the Knights have an operative "house rule" on the matter of pro-abortion Knights who hold political office, which requires members not to raise the issue of a member’s personal or even public position on abortion.

  Several years ago, a Massachusetts Knight obtained a tape recording featuring KC member Joe Mauro, now retired but then executive vice president of agencies and marketing for the national office, stating: "The house rule is anybody who writes you, or talks to you about it [abortion], I’d prefer you kept silent on the issue."

  The tape surfaced after an outspoken pro-life insurance field agent, John O’Gorman, was forced out of the Knights following his pro-life activism.

  One decisive action against a pro-abortion Catholic politician was taken by the late Bishop James McHugh, when he was bishop of Camden, N.J. He forced the state’s pro-abortion Gov. Jim Florio to resign from the Knights.

  In 2001, when the Supreme Council of the International Knights of Columbus met in Toronto, with 2,000 members in attendance, a New York chapter called on the Knights to take more vigorous action against politicians who are pro-abortion. Ed McKee, co-chairman of this New York Council, said that they were getting nowhere with tactics employed at the time.

  However, Canadian Phil Zakoor, chief administrative officer of the Ontario State Council, objected to the New York resolution calling for such things as advertisements at election times to encourage pro-life voting.

  In a speech to the organization the next day, Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson acknowledged that the order has the resources to do more to defend life than it has done; the Knights of Columbus would continue its "defense of human life at all stages, from conception to natural death."

  The battle likely to be waged in Dallas is closely related to the hierarchy’s own stance, since the Knights and the hierarchy have appeared to be passing the buck back and forth on this matter for years, and now the buck seems to be stopped in both camps.

  Supreme Knight Anderson, on his way to Dallas, was unavailable for comment, as was his spokesman Paul McGlinchey.

 

[ELS]

tested on faith and character during the 3rd degree

Is that where the phrase giving someone "the third degree" (meaning to thoroughly question them) came from?

[ArrogantBustard]

he can be removed if the Grand Knight files charges and holds a trial.

Kewl! Looks like more work for the TTGC!

[Coleus]

Is that where the phrase giving someone "the third degree" (meaning to thoroughly question them) came from? >>

Good question, I never thought of that.

[Russ7]

I'm so glad to see all the Catholics stepping up. I moved from NY 7 yrs ago and I remember our council leaders discussing issues that came up at the state and national conventions regarding the scandal of have pro-abort members. It was usually the councils of the biggest most visible pro-aborts that stepped in the way and made sure those resolutions to throw them out never made it to a vote.

Our council here in KY is coming back to life. We mixed in a little social fun....called "cornhole" tournament (throwing bean bags at a board with a hole in it. It was successful with about 40 people coming out. I'll be working on a basketball free throw contest for the kids in the area.

I believe most of the priests feel great comfort when the Knights support them. We have a Priests appreciation dinner coming up this month. Last year, there must have been 50-60 priests attending. With all the scandal going on, the faithful priests sure are happy to see public support for them.

Faithful Catholics should try to join a local council. If there isn't one. find the District Deputy and see about starting a council.

[j_tull]

Please let me know if you want on or off my Pro-Life Ping List. On, please.

[ninenot]

Ready, willing, able.

Firewood is seasoned.

How's the Iron Maiden working?

[cpforlife.org]

Diva,

The Knights of Columbus ARE becoming more visible.

Membership drives have been more robust in recent years, and we underwrite most remote telecasts on EWTN.

Our new Supreme Knight (3rd year?) Carl A. Anderson is more vocal. His resume' is truly inspiring and in the last couple of years the Holy Father appointed him to the Pontifical Council For Life and Family.

[cpforlife.org]

Thanks brother and God bless you and yours!

[ArrogantBustard]

The Iron Maiden, the Rack, and the Thumbscrews are ready for business.
Kakkate Koi!!!

[Smartass]

Since Roe v. Wade, over 42 million poor lost
souls have been so called legally murdered, under the
guise of pro-choice.   This is absolutely unacceptable.

Adolph Hitler couldn't have done a better job as the
shameful "Democrats" and "Planned Murderhood."

The Laci Peterson double murder case, could be a
preview of coming attractions to revisiting Roe v. Wade
and having it overturned by the Supreme Court.

[Coleus]

Both Diocese of Paterson, NJ,  Bishop Frank J. Rodimer and Congressman Bill Pascrell, D-8,  are members of the same Knights of Columbus Council, Paterson Council 240, 623 McBride Avenue, West Paterson, NJ 07424  (973) 278-7944.  Pascrell and other Catholic state democrat politicians can vote for stem cell research, no on parental notification, yes on abortion in the military, abortion for federal employees and to penalize doctors and hospitals with federal funding who refuse to perform abortions and you will never read anything rebuking them in the diocesan newspaper about their votes.  

 

Bill Pascrell pro-life record 30%

Bill Pascrell's Homosexual Rights Record, 100% Page 7

Bill Pascrell's NARAL Record, 71%, Page 12, NARAL needs to check their math

Catholic Family Association's scorecard on Bill Pascrell

NJ Voting Record Scorecard, 1999-2000, 25% pro life

[Smartass]

"Both Diocese of Paterson, NJ, Bishop Frank J. Rodimer and Congressman Bill Pascrell, D-8, are members of the same Knights of Columbus Council, Paterson Council 240, 623 McBride Avenue, West Paterson, NJ 07424 (973) 278-7944. Pascrell and other Catholic state democrat politicians can vote for stem cell research, no on parental notification, yes on abortion in the military, abortion for federal employees and to penalize doctors and hospitals with federal funding who refuse to perform abortions and you will never read anything rebuking them in the diocesan newspaper about their votes."

THANKS FOR THE PING!

Bill Pascrell is neither Christian nor Catholic. These
self proclaimed religious persons must be continuously
exposed for the frauds that they really are.

[Smartass]

[cpforlife.org]

Welcome to the Pro-Life Ping List!

Also, please take time to visit my websites:

CHRISTIAN PATRIOTS FOR LIFE at:
http://www.CpForLife.org

NATIONAL AMERICAN HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL at:
http://www.CpForLife.org/Memorial

Knights For Life at
http://www.KnightsForLife.org

Thanks,

Kevin

[Happy2BMe]

> > "ABORTION - It's just like liposuction - only for kids."

___________________________________

And that's exactly how the Dems see the sanctity of life - on the same level as a LIPOSUCTION.

[Palladin]

Good for the Knights. Better late than never.

[Valin]

IT’S ABOUT DAMN TIME!

And all Gods people said...AMEN.

[uglybiker]

Is that where the phrase giving someone "the third degree" (meaning to thoroughly question them) came from?

Actually, it comes from the Masonic Third Degree and predates the K of C.

[MeekOneGOP]

Yep. bump!

[al_c]

Thanks for posting this. Leave it to the Knights to defend our faith!!! :o)