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Hi, thanks for the reply. The point I wanted to make was that Catholics often decide that the church is wrong on this matter or that, and then side with a position that is against it's teaching. Many of the same Catholics then condemn other Catholics for doing the same in matters where they happen to agree with Church teaching.

You pointed out that you believe the Iraq conflict is a just war, and therefore support it despite the pope's passionate opposition. I see this as somewhat similar to a Catholic who may understand that others who do not share the same religious faith may come to different conclusions about the value of embryonic human life. Such a Catholic might decide to personally follow the teachings of the Church on the matter of abortion, but may also decide to oppose laws that would imprison or otherwise punish those who sincerely disagree with this teaching.

Please bear in mind, also, that both of these issues (Iraq and abortion) are matters of life and death. While I happen to agree with you that the Iraq war is justified, many, including the pope, passionately disagree because they know that the prosecution of this war will cause the death of many innocent civillians, including children. If, in the eyes of the church, a pro-choice person colludes in the taking of innocent human life by merely supporting legal abortion, then doesn't a person who merely supports this war do the same?

I understand the point you are trying to make, and I do pray for a speedy and quick end to this war. But you can't compare a just war with abortion.

Governments have a moral obligation to protect their citizens from attack. Saddam Hussein has been funding and sheltering terrorists who killed American citizens abroad and in our country, and has not complied with the 1991 UN resolutions to disarm.

It is tragic that innocent people die in war. I certainly don't want any innocent civilians, particularly children, to be killed in bombing raids. We can and should pray for them.

I do have an obligation as a Catholic to listen to the Pope and give weight to his arguments. He is opposed to this war because he believes more people will die from it than by not doing anything at all. I don't know if he is right, but I do give strong leanings to his position. But he has not said that no Catholic may participate or support the war, nor will he.

But abortion is completely different. There is no justification for taking an innocent human life in its mother's womb. The baby isn't an invading force, it is a human person and a new creation. It is helpless and innocent and can not defend itself. The unborn have no government to protect them from the "choice" of the mother. Even the child's father can not protect the unborn's life.

But, biblically and traditionally, God did not condemn war and, in fact, there are times when war is necessary. But God did condemn murder, and abortion is murder of the most innocent and vulnerable in society.

God bless.