TEXAS GOVERNOR - ABORTION

Associated Press - BREAKING NEWS | June 25, 2002

[NYer]

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) _ The Roman Catholic diocese where Democratic gubernatorial candidate Tony Sanchez was raised has banned him from speaking at its churches because of his support for abortion rights.

The Corpus Christi Diocese ban also applies to John Sharp, the Democratic candidate for lieutenant governor.

Both Sanchez and Sharp are Catholics who say they personally oppose abortion but support a woman's right to terminate a pregnancy. ``That's being schizophrenic about it,'' Bishop Carmody said Monday. ``That's saying, `In my own home, I respect life, but when I'm in public office, I'm going to go with the pack.' ''

The Sanchez campaign did not immedately return a call Tuesday. Sharp spokeswoman Nicole Sherbert said the campaign had no comment. Under guidelines in effect in the south Texas diocese since 1999, Catholics who declare themselves in support of abortion rights cannot hold church positions or speak at any Catholic institutions in the region.

The issue could be important because the Catholic Church is influential in many Hispanic communities, and Democrats' chances this year may depend on their ability to attract a record number of Hispanic voters.

Texas Hispanics have historically supported Democratic candidates, almost all of whom have favored abortion rights.

Republican Gov. Rick Perry said he believes abortion should be legal only in cases of rape or incest, or when a pregnancy threatens the woman's life.

[NYer]

This is quite a day!! Finally, one of the bishops has taken a stance. Now, if only Law and Egan applied this principle to their dioceses!

[deport]

FYI......

[CecilRhodesGhost]

The Catholic priests in America have taken a real beating from the domestic press this year. It's nice to read something new about them.

[yendu bwam]

Hey! A courageous bishop. I thought that was an oxymoron.

[Siobhan]

The Corpus Christi diocese is one of the best in the Church in America. Bishop Carmody would be a good replacement for the lamentable Archbishop Patrick Flores of San Antonio.

Adding Bishop Carmody and the Corpus Christi diocese to my prayer list now .....

[Straight Vermonter]

I'd like to see him go all the way and excommunicate these guys. What ever happened to that push to excommunicate the abortion pushing politicians?

[phil1750]

Finally some good news about my Church.

[nickcarraway]

Bump

[Psalm 73]

I've been pretty darned critical of the RC Church here lately -
so I've got to give a big Pro-Life BUMP to Bishop Carmody and the Diocese of Corpus Christie for taking a strong moral stand here.
Praise God!

[Dog Gone]

Come to think of it I cannot think of one thing Perry has done to end abortion in Texas.

That shouldn't be too surprising since he has no power whatsoever to do so.

[lormand]

In some Catholic parishes like Corpus Christi, they will ban pro-Abortion politicians, but will accept them in Boston.

As someone raised as a Catholic, this makes me sick. Here in Austin, about the only social issue you hear from the pulpit is against the Death Penalty.

The Catholic Church gets to pick and choose which social issue to champion depending on the demographic nature of it's flock.

I almost feel like I have to take a shower after attending a Catholic mass!

[lormand]

"Seems to me that Gov. Pery supports abortion rights. I wonder if the Church has banned him from speaking. Come to think of it I cannot think of one thing Perry has done to end abortion in Texas."

You are 100% correct. The "official" Catholic Church doctrine does not have exceptions to abortions nor should it.

Perry has done nothing period! However, it is better to not govern than to govern badly, which Sanchez will obviously do.

[Askel5]

.

[Vladiator]

Didn't Ridge get the same boot in Erie when he was governor of PA?

[yendu bwam]

What ever happened to that push to excommunicate the abortion pushing politicians?

They didn't have the guts to affirm principle over expedience.

[yendu bwam]

So if the Governor of Texas has no power to stop or even limit abortion why is the Church concerned about who is elected Governor?

Because the Governor has the power and ability to change the minds of many.