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If Roe Is Overturned, Bishops Can No Longer Let Catholic Democrats Off The Hook
The Federalist.com ^ | May 12, 2022 | Robert Busek

Posted on 05/17/2022 7:01:22 AM PDT by Kaslin

Although a Catholic legislator’s vote in favor of legalizing abortion still falls short of the “formal cooperation” that carries with it automatic ex-communication, the church still considers such a vote a stain on the legislator’s soul. As such, unless he confesses his sin and does penance for it, he may not receive communion without committing the second mortal sin of sacrilege, a point that many American bishops and priests seem to have forgotten.After months of accusing Republicans of using “phony, trumped-up culture wars” to divide the electorate, the Democrats have chosen abortion, the mother of all culture war issues, as the hill on which they will fight and die in 2022.

When Politico published a draft of the Supreme Court’s ruling in the Dobbs vs. Jackson Women’s Health Organization case, the left’s reaction to its striking down of Roe v. Wade predictably combined wailing and gnashing of teeth with crass political posturing. With uncharacteristic speed and clarity, our “devoutly Catholic” president used the draft to encourage voters to support pro-abortion candidates in the November elections and call upon Congress to codify Roe into law.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer then dutifully lifted up the banner of child murder, bringing a bill to the floor last Wednesday that would have legalized abortion up until the point of birth. Although this gambit was doomed to fail because the filibuster remains intact, all but one of the Democrats who identify as Catholic voted for it.

So, barring any justices bending to public pressure and changing their minds (which was likely the idea behind leaking the draft in the first place), the power to pass laws regarding abortion is going to be returned to state legislatures. This means Catholic bishops will finally have to choose between adhering to what the church teaches regarding those who support abortion and maintaining their Faustian bargain with the Democratic Party.

Nowhere to Hide Now

From its very inception, the church has taught that abortion is a grave moral evil. This teaching has been consistently upheld by canonists and theologians for more than 2,000 years. In 1974, on the heels of Roe v. Wade and similar efforts, the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith issued its “Declaration on Procured Abortion,” which clearly stated not only that abortion is a mortal sin, but also that supporting its legalization (no matter one’s “personal opposition”) is as well:

It must in any case be clearly understood that whatever may be laid down by civil law in this matter, man can never obey a law which is in itself immoral, and such is the case of a law which would admit in principle the feleceity of abortion. Nor can he take part in a propaganda campaign in favor of such a law, or vote for it. (Emphasis mine.)

Giving unto Caesar What is God’sOn the issue of abortion, the Democratic Party demands that its Catholic members leave the moral teachings of their faith at the statehouse doors. Under the diabolical euphemisms of “reproductive rights” and “women’s health,” abortion holds a central place in the health care plank of its platform:

Democrats are committed to protecting and advancing reproductive health, rights, and justice. We believe unequivocally, like the majority of Americans, that every woman should be able to access high-quality reproductive health care services, including safe and legal abortion. We will repeal the Title X domestic gag rule and restore federal funding for Planned Parenthood… Democrats oppose and will fight to overturn federal and state laws that create barriers to reproductive health and rights. We will repeal the Hyde Amendment, and protect and codify the right to reproductive freedom.

Democrats are committed to protecting and advancing reproductive health, rights, and justice. We believe unequivocally, like the majority of Americans, that every woman should be able to access high-quality reproductive health care services, including safe and legal abortion. We will repeal the Title X domestic gag rule and restore federal funding for Planned Parenthood… Democrats oppose and will fight to overturn federal and state laws that create barriers to reproductive health and rights. We will repeal the Hyde Amendment, and protect and codify the right to reproductive freedom.

For years, it has been clear that Democrats must toe the line on supporting child murder or be purged from the ranks. No other issue comes close to this shibboleth of the left; to the party of today, a Democrat must favor unrestricted abortion or he is no Democrat.

For almost 50 years, the bishops have actively avoided holding these lawmakers accountable for promoting the Culture of Death in return for the party’s lip service to Catholic social teaching.

True, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) showed some evidence of a spine last year when it announced the crafting of a teaching letter on the Eucharist, a move that caused much uproar among pro-abortion “Catholics.” Yet when the letter was issued in November, it contained no mention of disciplining abortion-supporting politicians.

Instead, Archbishop Joseph Naumann of Kansas City, the head of the USCCB’s Committee on Pro-Life Activities, offered some tepid comments about the bishops’ “responsibility to have dialogue and conversation with those who are Catholic but who act in a way contrary to our faith in this basic moral teaching.”

Time to Make the Real Choice

With all due respect to Naumann, the time for “dialogue and conversation” with these legislators is long past; their zeal for legalizing abortion shows that. There have already been legislative efforts in multiple states in anticipation of the Dobbs decision.

Should the decision be handed down in its present form, these efforts will intensify, placing clergy and laity squarely in the crosshairs of pro-abortion ideologues who are openly anti-Catholic and have few qualms about resorting to intimidation or even violence to achieve their goals. Will the mounting number of attacks on parishes finally convince the bishops to act in accordance with Catholic teaching?

In Old Testament times, Elijah called the people of Israel to come to Mount Carmel and witness the battle he waged against the four hundred priests of the pagan god Baal. There, the prophet “came near to all the people, and said, ‘How long will you go limping with two different opinions? If the LORD is God, follow him; but if Baal, then follow him.’” (I Kings 18:21).

Catholic bishops throughout the country must now finally make a similar choice between God and Moloch. Obviously, their sheep in the Democratic Party have already made this choice and received their reward. As these leaders of the church struggle with their consciences, they would do well to remember the words of another prophet: “‘Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture!’ says the Lord” (Jeremiah 23:1).


TOPICS: Culture/Society; Editorial; Government
KEYWORDS: abortion; bidenvoters; catholicbishops; catholicdemocrats; catholics; church; demoncrats; eucharists; holycommunion; joebiden; moralteaching; roevswade
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1 posted on 05/17/2022 7:01:22 AM PDT by Kaslin
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To: Kaslin
If Roe Is Overturned, Bishops Can No Longer Let Catholic Democrats Off The Hook

Want to bet ?

2 posted on 05/17/2022 7:03:13 AM PDT by JesusIsLord
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To: JesusIsLord
Agreed. Now would be a particularly weird time for it.

How can the leaders of the Roman Catholic Church grow a spine against political leaders pushing abortion while also letting major aborting communist Cheyna pick the bishops?

3 posted on 05/17/2022 7:09:12 AM PDT by Tell It Right (1st Thessalonians 5:21 -- Put everything to the test, hold fast to that which is true.)
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To: JesusIsLord

some will, some won’t


4 posted on 05/17/2022 7:10:26 AM PDT by Kaslin
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To: Kaslin

Yeah right. Democrats enrich the Catholic church with massive tax dollars.


5 posted on 05/17/2022 7:11:12 AM PDT by Organic Panic (Democrats. Memories as short as Joe Biden's eyes)
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To: Tell It Right
What's Cheyna?
6 posted on 05/17/2022 7:12:47 AM PDT by Kaslin
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To: Kaslin

Might then be time to excommunicate Nazi Peelousy and XiJinBiden.

Won’t happen, especially with comrade Jorge Mario Bergoglio as ‘pope’! Maybe it should!


7 posted on 05/17/2022 7:14:13 AM PDT by A Formerly Proud Canadian ( Ceterum autem censeo Justinius True-dope-us esse delendam)
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To: Kaslin

That’s how Trump always pronounced “China”. (Say it while showing your teeth and keeping them closed. LOL)


8 posted on 05/17/2022 7:16:11 AM PDT by Tell It Right (1st Thessalonians 5:21 -- Put everything to the test, hold fast to that which is true.)
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To: Kaslin
"If Roe Is Overturned, Bishops Can No Longer Let Catholic Democrats Off The Hook"

In Demonicrat-controlled states, of course the bishops will continue to let Romanist Demonicrats off the hook.

9 posted on 05/17/2022 7:38:20 AM PDT by Carl Vehse (A proud member of the LGBFJB community)
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To: Kaslin

‘Although a Catholic legislator’s vote in favor of legalizing abortion still falls short of the “formal cooperation” that carries with it automatic ex-communication, the church still considers such a vote a stain on the legislator’s soul.’

Yeah, they would have done this a long, long time ago if it was ever on the table at all. It seems pretty obvious that the main part of the church no longer cares about the color of a catholic legislator’s soul. They are getting good traction out of all these “catholic” legislators. (Did you know the PRESIDENT is a CATHOLIC???!!!) The RCs seem to care about money and influence most of all. They’re doing the globalists’ will and it doesn’t look like they’re being forced.

A faction DOES like protesting and stalking people and waving aborted-fetus pics in people’s faces a whole lot, and some of the anger over SCOTUS possibly getting rid of Roe might have to do with them being deprived of an opportunity to b1tch and moan. And, you know, stalk people, which is so much fun. If one takes a step back and squints, one might end up seeing that Roe might have been ended some time ago if good catholic lawyers and legislators had fought it from the court side instead of taking the opportunity to persecute folks who don’t hold the same beliefs.

I’ve been going on twatter lately since Squealin’ Elon said he was going to buy the joint and there are lots of gals who are really upset about Roe possibly ending and it really seems like, instead of being glad about the end of Roe v Wade, catholics are now making weird-a$$ threats that they’ll get rid of birth control next and repeal the 19th amendment, etc etc. They’re not joyful or happy - they’re looking for more opportunities to fight. You know, just like Jesus and his disciples, right? Stalking and fighting! Yay!

“Catholic bishops throughout the country must now finally make a similar choice between God and Moloch.”

They have already made their choice. They made it long ago.

There are few Republican or truly conservative Roman Catholics in the USA. The majority are Democrats. Again, this is my experience because I grew up in the church and went to catholic school - attending Mass daily for some years and in several different cities across the USA. Not only were Republican catholics a minority, but in a lot of places we - school kids - were pushed into hating the GOP. I didn’t understand what was going on as a kid - I just knew it made M & P (who converted to the RC faith early in their marriage, I guess) fight a lot.

Maybe some of the bishops will find their testicles someday and start excommunicating the likes of Hag Nancy and ChoMoeJoe. I’m not going to hold my breath, however.

Have any of you protesants attended a RC Mass at a typical urban RC church lately? They’ll let ANYBODY take communion now. Don’t believe me - see for yourself.


10 posted on 05/17/2022 7:40:27 AM PDT by Scarlett156 (A great eclipse 15 May 2022 😎)
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To: Kaslin

I put the Roman Catholic Church up there with the Mormons. They both teach unbiblical doctrine. Why anyone gives them any credibility is a mystery.


11 posted on 05/17/2022 7:46:49 AM PDT by roving
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To: roving
"I put the Roman Catholic Church up there with the Mormons. They both teach unbiblical doctrine. Why anyone gives them any credibility is a mystery."

And yet the Roman Catholic composition of the Supreme Court is the exact reason Roe is about to be overturned.

Sucks to be you, huh.

12 posted on 05/17/2022 7:50:18 AM PDT by StAnDeliver (Enjoy the parade of Putlim Soviet c!rclejerkers lining up for the Tedlim-style putsch)
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To: Kaslin
Although a Catholic legislator's vote in favor of legalizing abortion still falls short of the “formal cooperation” that carries with it automatic ex-communication, the church still considers such a vote a stain on the legislator's soul.

When I hear this type of contorted logic, the ideas of being "a little pregnant" comes to mind! LOL!!

13 posted on 05/17/2022 7:52:10 AM PDT by JesusIsLord
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To: Tell It Right

He did? I guess I didn’t pay attention.


14 posted on 05/17/2022 7:58:51 AM PDT by Kaslin
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To: StAnDeliver

Bump


15 posted on 05/17/2022 8:00:36 AM PDT by Kaslin
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To: Kaslin

If Roe Is Overturned, Bishops Can No Longer Let Catholic Democrats Off The Hook

______________________________________________

Oh, but I’m willing to bet they can and will.


16 posted on 05/17/2022 8:04:19 AM PDT by Bishop_Malachi (Liberal Socialism - A philosophy which advocates spreading a low standard of living equally.)
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To: roving
I put the Roman Catholic Church up there with the Mormons. They both teach unbiblical doctrine

I don't think you really know much about either one.

Catholics think that Jesus "did all things well," including founding his Church to endure until the end of time. We believe in the Trinity, the eternal divinity of Jesus Christ as both the Son of God and God the Son who took human nature and was born of the Virgin Mary, and salvation by grace through faith (but "faith working through love," not "faith alone").

Mormons reject the Trinity, think that Jesus Christ and the Father are two distinct "gods," deny the Virgin Birth, think that God the Father was once a human being who evolved into godhood, think that modern-day Mormon men can also evolve into godhood, and think that salvation requires obedience to the teachings of Joseph Smith.

(Mormons: If I've misrepresented your doctrine in any way, feel free to correct me, but document your case. I can document everything I said in the paragraph above from LDS sources.)

Now, roving, if you can't tell the difference between those two positions, I can't help you.

17 posted on 05/17/2022 8:18:02 AM PDT by Campion (Everything is a grace, everything is the direct effect of our Father's love - Little Flower)
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To: Kaslin

They had no right to “let them off the hook” to begin with. Where does their loyalty lie? With God or man?


18 posted on 05/17/2022 8:50:26 AM PDT by chuckb87
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To: Kaslin

They. . . really shouldn’t. . . whether Roe is overturned or not.


19 posted on 05/17/2022 8:57:47 AM PDT by Persevero (You cannot comply your way out of tyranny. )
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To: JesusIsLord

No, if you know about the background, it makes sense.

Mortal sin breaks the relationship with God and sends the sinner to Hell. To restore the relationship, the sinner must confess and have his sin absolved.*

Being ex-communicated is a sort of public version of the above. Used to be that the ex-communicated could not go the Mass; now they are still obligated to attend while being refused the Eucharist until the sinner is reconciled with God, which might entail more than confession.

The main problem in either case is the state of the soul; ex-communication is just a public acknowledgement of this reserved for a very small number of sins.

*This does not mean the sinner gets off scott-free, only that his relationship with God is restored so he can eventually enter Heaven. There must still be reparation for the sin, either during the sinner’s life on earth or after his death in Purgatory, since nothing unclean can enter Heaven.


20 posted on 05/17/2022 9:14:34 AM PDT by Chicory
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