Posted on 05/10/2007 3:15:32 AM PDT by Jim Robinson
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. - Rudolph Giuliani said yesterday that his differences with the Catholic Church over his support for abortion rights are between him, God and his spiritual adviser, not Pope Benedict XVI - seeking to avoid a head-on confrontation with the pontiff over the issue that has bedeviled Giuliani's campaign.
The pope took a hard line against Catholic politicians who vote in favor of abortion rights, saying Mexican lawmakers who did so lost the right to Communion and may have even excommunicated themselves.
Giuliani himself declined to respond directly to the pope's comments and wouldn't answer questions about whether he believed his support for abortion rights could damage his standing in the church.
"I don't get into debates with the pope," Giuliani told reporters.
"Issues like that for me are between me and my confessor. ... I'm a Catholic and that's the way I resolve those issues, personally and privately," he said. "That's what religion is all about - it's something that's between you and your conscience and God and then whoever your spiritual advisers are."
The Giuliani campaign last night deflected questions about Giuliani's spiritual advisers and whether he takes Communion - saying, as the mayor did, that those are private issues.
Giuliani took a different approach in 1996, when he criticized the Vatican for attacking then-President Bill Clinton's decision to veto a ban on late-term abortion. Giuliani said the church's "direct involvement in politics is not a good idea, because I think it confuses people."
This time, the pope's comments - while not directly about American politicians - threaten to insert a religious element into the debate in Republican circles over Giuliani's pro-abortion-rights stance.
(Excerpt) Read more at newsday.com ...
Okay, that's cool. But what do you really know about him? What did he do or say that causes you to believe he's compassionate and tolerant?
I'll tell you what I mean. Here are some of his statements, paraphrased. Read them, digest them, and tell me what sort of person would say these things:
"Yeah, I remember when Satan was kicked out of heaven. That was quite a sight."
"I was there with the Father when he was making the world. I existed before the universe did."
"I am the way, the truth and the life, NO ONE can come to the Father except through me." [emphasis mine]
"If you want to follow me, you must hate your mother and your father."
Do these sound like the sayings of a tolerant, compassionate man?
And as for proof that he was God, how do you explain the four accounts of his resurrection, the accounts that he appeared to as many as 500 people at a time, and the sudden explosion of the church? (Remember, these were people who had a MUCH harder time than you and me, culturally and religiously, accepting the idea that God could become a man.)
I agree with you that no man can comprehend such a purpose, at least not without help. But a purpose suggests someone behind that purpose. And I do believe, that if God wants to communicate with us, He can find a way. Agree?
When he communicates with you, how will you respond?
Catholic ping.
Anyone remember how Giuliani criticized the Pope on abortion during Clinton’s time in office?
Like this guy has a "confessor"!
Giuliani must go to the same priest/confessor as Tony Soprano.
ping to the pingers
Kennedy, Rudy, Kerry and how many other “Catholic politicos”, claim to be such and still fight for abortions?
The Pope should grow a set and excommunicate ALL politicians who espouse abortion or vote for such.
Pope's Words on Abortion Nudge, But Don't Shake U.S. Political Races
Thursday, May 10, 2007 The pontiff's comments put five of seven Catholic candidates at odds with their church. Pope's Words on Abortion Nudge, But Don't Shake U.S. Political Races
WASHINGTON — Pope Benedict XVI's agreement that Roman Catholic politicians in Mexico City who voted to legalize abortion should be denied the rite of Communion could have an effect on the 2008 presidential race in the United States.
List doesn't have Giuliani, however. (In my opinion, he should also be listed.)
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