[livius]

It is worth clicking on the link and reading the whole of this excellent article by Fr. Neuhaus. Apparently, Cdl Egan also waffled on his support for pro-abortion "Catholics" Pataki and Giuliani, and when asked if he was going to correct them, simply said they were his "friends."

As Neuhaus points out, the biggest problem in the Church right now on this issue is that some of the bishops are not very strong pro-life supporters, something that he attributes to the pernicious influence of the late Cdl Bernardin's "seamless garment" theory.

He is quite indignant over the fact that the leaders of the two major sees in the country are both very weak on this issue.

I'm particularly distressed by Wuerl, since he is a new appointee and he has already signalled to Catholic politicians and faithful that he has no intention of confronting this issue and that he is, essentially, too cowardly to even consider it.

[livius]

Ping to a few people with whom the Wuerl issue was discussed last week.

[sitetest]

Dear livius,

Archbishop Wuerl had been on the record as a pro-abort embracer while in Pittsburgh. No change there.


sitetest

[trisham]

Good article. Thanks.

[Cicero]

Fr. Neuhaus is a brilliant writer and a profound analyst of what he has called religion in the public square.

He has long worked with Evangelicals, some of whom write regularly for First Things and are on the staff, and religious Jews. He is a great example of true ecumenicism, not the wishy washing liberal fake kind. It just goes to show that Protestants, Catholics, and Jews who are really loyal to their religion, far from putting them at odds with each other, can work together on their common interests and put aside their differences.

The only thing I would maybe take issue here is his comments on Cardinal Bernardin. He is brave enough to point out, politely, that Cardinal McCarrick lied to the bishops' conference about the contents of Cardinal Ratzinger's letter on how to handle pro-abortion Catholic politicians. But he is too kind to Cardinal Bernardin.

Bernardin was a very, very smart guy. He was too smart to get out into left field with the dumb dissenters like Weakland, who was hung out to dry in the end. But he probably caused more trouble in the Church in America than any other single person. He not only orchestrated things so the bishops responded weakly to Roe v. Wade. He also appears to have been in the middle of the decay of the seminaries and the Lavendar Mafia. It seems as if everything he touched turned sour.

I suppose as a priest Fr. Neuhaus has to be careful what he says. And he has a gift for never raising his voice, so when he does condemn someone, you know they have crossed a line. Still, I thought it was worth mentioning.

What he says about Roe v. Wade, of course, is true. It was one of the most significant turning points in our country's history. It has distorted our entire justice system, leading to all those other bad decisions in areas far from abortion. And, contrary to the deluded expectations of the judges who violated their oaths to vote for it, it will NEVER be simply accepted as a fait accompli. Never.

[TradicalRC]

As Neuhaus points out, the biggest problem in the Church right now on this issue is that some of the bishops are not very strong pro-life supporters, something that he attributes to the pernicious influence of the late Cdl Bernardin's "seamless garment" theory.

Funny, they seem to be able to wave their faux pro-Life banner when speaking out against capital punishment. Even with the seamless garment they only emphasize the part of the garment they like.

[lastchance]

"He ( Father Neuhaus) is quite indignant over the fact that the leaders of the two major sees in the country are both very weak on this issue."

But God is not weak on the subject and there shall be an accounting before Him. Also I pray that Pope Benedict will remind the Clergy that to remain silent while grave sin is tolerated is to give consent to that sin.

[TigersEye]

Abortion is not about saving women’s lives!

Studies Find Abortions Have Long-Term Effects

45,951,133

Total Abortions since 1973

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Why the drop after 1960? (in deaths of women from illegal abortions)

The reasons were new and better antibiotics, better surgery and the establishment of intensive care units in hospitals. This was in the face of a rising population. Between 1967 and 1970 sixteen states legalized abortion. In most it was limited, only for rape, incest and severe fetal handicap (life of mother was legal in all states). There were two big exceptions — California in 1967, and New York in 1970 allowed abortion on demand. Now look at the chart carefully.

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Abortion Statistics - Decision to Have an Abortion (U.S.)

· 25.5% of women deciding to have an abortion want to postpone childbearing

· 21.3% of women cannot afford a baby

· 14.1% of women have a relationship issue or their partner does not want a child

· 12.2% of women are too young (their parents or others object to the pregnancy)

· 10.8% of women feel a child will disrupt their education or career

· 7.9% of women want no (more) children

· 3.3% of women have an abortion due to a risk to fetal health

2.8% of women have an abortion due to a risk to maternal health

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So how many women’s lives have been saved by abortion?

Only about 3% of abortions since 1972 were reported to be “due to a risk to maternal health.” A reasonable person would recognize that not all of those cases represent a lethal risk. But let’s say they did. That means that nearly 45 million fetuses were butchered to save the lives of about 1.3 million women. Or put another way; 35 babies are killed to save each woman.

Abortion was legal in all 50 states prior to Roe v. Wade in cases of danger to the life of the woman.

Roe v Wade: FULL Text (The Decision that wiped out an entire Generation 33 years ago today)