The Church says that direct abortion is not permitted, under any circumstances.
Does George W. Bush allow for exceptions to the Church's position on abortion? Yes, or no?
Is the child aborted after an incestuous act any less dead than the child aborted through convenience?
My point, Siobhan, is that it is too facile to simply declare that anyone who votes for John Kerry is in mortal sin and one who votes for George W. Bush is not.
I support George W. Bush and have already voted for him, and believe he is pro-life compared to Kerry. But he is not 100% pro-life, according to the Church. You can call this "word games" if you wish, but the teaching of the Church is clear.
In government, politics, and civil discourse, the Church teaches us not to expect 100 per cent conformity with the teachings of the Church but to work with those who cooperate with the Church's teachings to the highest possible level. Your focus on the difference between the Church's teaching and Bush's position is in some sense antithetical to the Church's ultimate goal with regard to the Gospel of Life, the ending of abortion, and the process of alliance and support with those outside the Church who share a certain commonality in recognizing the Life issues and working toward the highest possible common goal. The clearest point is that Kerry the Catholic is in total opposition to the Church's teachings and goals and voting for him is a danger for us all.