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Vatican urges Catholic politicians to vote along church lines
Associated Press ... live feed | January 15, 2003

Posted on 01/16/2003 6:05:27 AM PST by NYer

VATICAN CITY (AP) _ The Vatican took aim at pro-choice Catholic politicians Thursday, telling them that Church teaching demands they defend ``the basic right to life from conception to natural death.''

A new set of guidelines approved by Pope John Paul II for Catholic politicians said that Church opposition to abortion, euthanasia and same-sex marriage was not up for negotiation. The were issued a week before major demonstrations are planned in the United States by pro-choice and anti-abortion groups and amid continuing efforts, mainly in Europe, to legalize euthanasia and gay marriages. The Vatican said it was publishing the document now because of medical and scientific advances and because of the ``emergence of ambiguities or questionable positions in recent times.''

The guidelines, prepared by the Vatican's orthodoxy watchdog, the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, don't change the church's long-held positions. Rather, they serve as a reminder of Church teachings for Catholic politicians, so that when they vote for legislation or otherwise influence public policy, they do so in line with certain ``nonnegotiable ethical principles.''

In particular, the document said laws concerning abortion and euthanasia ``must defend the basic right to life from conception to natural death. In the same way, it is necessary to recall the duty to respect and protect the rights of the human embryo.'' It said laws safeguarding marriage between man and woman must be promoted and that ``in no way can other forms of cohabitation be placed on the same level as marriage, nor can they receive legal recognition as such.''

The document also referred vaguely to issues of peace, saying Catholics should not confuse the Church's promotion of peace and rejection of violence with ``secular'' pacificist and ideological visions. The pope's opposition to war in Iraq is likely to make him a rallying point in the event hostilities erupt. ``The Church recognizes that while democracy is the best expression of the direct participation of citizens in political choices, it succeeds only to the extent that it is based on a correct understanding of the human person,'' the document said, adding: ``Catholic involvement in political life cannot compromise on this principle.''

The guidelines don't mention punishment _ such as excommunication _ for Catholic politicians who fail to tow the line. Rather, they frame the issue as one of ``conscience'' that politicians will have to deal with.

``Scientific progress has resulted in advances that are unsettling for the consciences of men and women, and call for solutions that respect ethical principles in a coherent and fundamental way,'' the document said.

``Catholics, in this difficult situation, have the right and the duty to recall society to a deeper understanding of human life and to the responsibility of everyone in this regard,'' it said.

The Vatican stressed that it wasn't trying to dictate policy or interfere in matters of state, but to rather ``instruct and illuminate'' Catholic political leaders. And it challenged the idea that ethical pluralism ``is the very condition for democracy.''

The document was released a week before the 30th anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court's Roe v. Wade decision lifting anti-abortion laws nationwide. Demonstrations by the pro-choice and anti-abortion movements in the United States are planned for Jan. 22.

The Vatican never disguised its irritation with Geraldine Ferraro, a Catholic and the U.S. Democratic vice presidential candidate in 1984, for her position that she opposed abortion but was also opposed to outlawing it. Recently, former Italian Premier Giulio Andreotti, a practicing Catholic, said he deeply regretted having signed the law legalizing abortion in Italy when he was prime minister in 1978.

The Vatican has also been campaigning against efforts, particularly in Europe, to legalize same-sex marriages and offer the unions the same benefits granted to traditional heterosexual marriages.

Jan. 22 also marks the start of the Roman Catholic church's World Meeting of Families _ a five-day meeting in Manila, Philippines to promote family values. Bishop Wilton Gregory, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, welcomed the publication of the document, saying it ``addresses some of the profound challenges faced by Catholic politicians and voters who are confronted with various moral and social issues in the context of a democratic society.'' He said he hoped the document would encourage U.S. Catholic politicians to continue to ``respect the most essential moral values of our human nature.'' The Vatican released similar statements from German and Italian cardinals along with the document Thursday.

While not offering concrete examples of legislation for Catholic politicians to promote, the document does propose a model for them to emulate: St. Thomas More, the 16th century lawyer and diplomat who refused to renounce the pope and recognize the king as head of the English church. King Henry VIII had More beheaded for his positions. Two years ago, Pope John Paul II made More the patron saint for politicians. ``He taught by his life and his death that 'man cannot be separated from God, nor politics from morality,''' the document said.


TOPICS: Activism; Apologetics; Catholic; Current Events; General Discusssion; Ministry/Outreach; Moral Issues; Religion & Culture; Religion & Politics; Theology
KEYWORDS: catholicchurch; politicians; vatican
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To: NYer
Another example of "catholic lite". How disappointing!

It might be more a case of an iron fist in a velvet glove. It might give those Catholic politicians some pause and make them think about the final results of their votes.

If the Vatican had come out directly with an 'excommunication' notice, don't you think those same politicians would have immediately gotten their backs up and taken the attitude "They can't tell ME what to do!" It is human nature to not want to be controlled. I believe The Vatican understands this, and wants to 'enlighten' those folks rather than turn them right off!

21 posted on 01/16/2003 11:12:31 AM PST by SuziQ
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To: NYer
Two years ago, Pope John Paul II made More the patron saint for politicians. ``He taught by his life and his death that 'man cannot be separated from God, nor politics from morality,''' the document said.

BUMP!!!!!!

22 posted on 01/16/2003 11:16:46 AM PST by Gophack
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To: Catholicguy
What happened to Osama Bin Laden? This war won't be our finest hour.
23 posted on 01/16/2003 11:35:35 AM PST by Codie
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To: SuziQ
Two years ago, Pope John Paul II made More the patron saint for politicians. ``He taught by his life and his death that 'man cannot be separated from God, nor politics from morality,''' the document said. In 1935 Pius XI went forward with the vanonization for More, waiving the usual miracle verification, saying that he--the pope--wanted each man to know exactly what is expected of him. War was on the horizon.
24 posted on 01/16/2003 12:01:13 PM PST by RobbyS
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To: RobbyS
1935 Pius XI went forward with the vanonization for More, waiving the usual miracle verification

<> Pius, Typical modernist changing the rules.....<>

25 posted on 01/16/2003 12:34:31 PM PST by Catholicguy (St Ignatius "if anyone follows him that makes a schism, he shall not inherit the Kingdom of God...")
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To: Catholicguy
This is the Deathstar against a guy on a goat.

Perfect analogy, with your usual pinch of hilarity. Bravo.

26 posted on 01/16/2003 12:57:17 PM PST by St.Chuck
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To: APBaer; Desdemona; St.Chuck; sitetest
<> From Jeffrey Tucker's review of David Frum's "The Right Man:The Surprise Prersidencey of George Bush W. Bush.<>

They are not serious enough to put much thought into the effects of their actions on the country, on liberty, on the world, or much of anything else. Not a word in this book indicates that the White House has any sense of the moral and practical responsibilities associated with heading the world's biggest state. But they are serious enough to believe that they have somehow been blessed by the god democracy to make big, important decisions. Paul O'Neil, who was just fired as Treasury secretary, is right that it is all about "deluding the people" into believing something that is not true.

In his first meeting with Bush, soon after the inauguration, Frum reports that the president had only one firm policy item backed by real conviction: "his determination to dig Saddam Hussein out of power in Iraq." This was six months before 9-11, and two years before weapons inspections. Why should anyone take seriously the idea that Bush is waiting for Iraq to comply with anything? Though Iraq was not discussed much during the campaign, the secret plan vengeance was always there.

<> Fortunately, the Vatican knows this Iraq War is all about revenge,propaganda, smoke, mirrors and bovine excrement<>

27 posted on 01/17/2003 9:57:32 AM PST by Catholicguy (St Ignatius "if anyone follows him that makes a schism, he shall not inherit the Kingdom of God...")
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To: Catholicguy
" Fortunately, the Vatican knows this Iraq War is all about revenge,propaganda, smoke, mirrors and bovine excrement"

Perhaps it is by a miraculous "vision" that you can "know" what the Vatican "knows"?
28 posted on 01/17/2003 10:39:14 AM PST by APBaer
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To: APBaer
<> Not at all. No visions are necessary. Every morning I recieve a Fax from the Vatican detailing what the Theme of that day shall be; and, the Fax also contains a list of "talking points." You don't think I come up with this outrageous stuff on my own, do you?

For the last four months, I have been ordered to face-down the Schismatic Orcs,and, frankly, it is getting tiresome. They never sleep.

I have enjoyed the Fax's of the last day or so because they dealt with Just War, Political Probity, Common Sense, Natural Law, ect.

BTW, it is both a common, and false, view that we Catholic operatives get Holiday weekends off because they are Holy Days. However, that is not true...We have to work MLK Day. He really wasn't a Saint:)<>

29 posted on 01/17/2003 11:14:19 AM PST by Catholicguy (St Ignatius "if anyone follows him that makes a schism, he shall not inherit the Kingdom of God...")
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To: Catholicguy
"I have been ordered to face-down the Schismatic Orcs,and, frankly, it is getting tiresome. They never sleep."

I recall the term is "mitosis."
30 posted on 01/17/2003 11:20:04 AM PST by APBaer
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To: APBaer; sitetest
<> Well, "mitosis" is a cool word...but I was speaking of Schismatic Orcs (SSPX'ers and their succorers) who never sleep - they are just re-energised by the lighting (schismatic publications) issuing from the wand of Lord Saruman (Rev. Peter Scott, Williamson et al)and they try and capture the Ring (Keys to the Kingdom) from the Pope's faithful, and humble, servants on their Pilgrimmage to the Heavenly Kingdom<>
(
31 posted on 01/17/2003 12:30:10 PM PST by Catholicguy (St Ignatius "if anyone follows him that makes a schism, he shall not inherit the Kingdom of God...")
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To: Catholicguy
Dear Catholicguy,

"...they try and capture the Ring (Keys to the Kingdom) from the Pope's faithful, and humble, servants on their Pilgrimmage to the Heavenly Kingdom<>"

LOL!

The end of this story has already been Foretold by One Who cannot lie.

;-)


sitetest
32 posted on 01/17/2003 12:45:16 PM PST by sitetest (Three Rings for the Elven-kings under the sky, Seven for the Dwarf-lords in their halls of stone.)
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To: sitetest
<> I love being in a contest where victory has been pre-ordained.

It si like being an Oakland Raider this year<>

33 posted on 01/18/2003 3:32:01 AM PST by Catholicguy (St Ignatius "if anyone follows him that makes a schism, he shall not inherit the Kingdom of God...")
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To: Catholicguy
I should have guessed that you'd figure out a way to disparage MLK in some snide little way. I'm trying to recall the courageous opposition shown by Catholic clerics and laity first toward slavery, then toward Jim Crow and legalized segregation into the 1960s in Catholic areas of Louisiana, Mississippi and South Alabama, and seem to be drawing a blank.

Can you tell me the great efforts made by the vast majority of Southern Catholics toward the end of segregation? Thanks.

34 posted on 01/18/2003 6:18:38 AM PST by Chancellor Palpatine
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To: Chancellor Palpatine
But if the Pope had directed them to oppose it (segregation; Jim Crow) you'd have been crowing about his next orders to "redistribute the wealth," "support unions," and blah, blah, blah. With you it's damned if you do and damned if you don't. You aren't interested in debate, but mere gainsaying. V's wife.
35 posted on 01/18/2003 6:29:18 AM PST by ventana (Mary, help of Christians, pray for us.)
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To: ventana
The Pope didn't direct them to oppose slavery, and a century later, didn't direct them to oppose segregation. Whether by moral ineptitude or by design, it always seems that the Vatican seems to prefer a world with a small number of oligarchs and a large number of impoverished peasants, which are conveniently easy to control. I call it "global Guatemalicization", named after the impoverished Catholic peasantry of Central America. An independent, economically self sufficient middle class doesn't integrate well into the Vatican mindset - they're more likely to throw off the yoke.
36 posted on 01/18/2003 6:41:17 AM PST by Chancellor Palpatine
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To: Chancellor Palpatine
And yet a dutiful middle class here and elsewhere is tolerant, educates their children not to be racist, and is faithful to the church: attending mass, supporting their Catholic schools, living their lives and helping the less fortunate with a helping hand. I see it right in my inner city parish: we provide a ton of help to the less fortunate: clothing for infants of the poor; food for the hungry; prison ministry; a building made available for the local headstart program. I see it in the charitable works of my daugther's Catholic school--more of the aforementioned. Or my son's Catholic high school--an incredibly well organized Christmas party down in New York city's village at a Salesian run parochial school serving the poor. A bus full of pro-life young men, middle and upper class kids, going to the March for Life on Wednesday where they will freeze their tails off! Because they think it's right. They are not so cynical as you Chancellor.

I attended a friend's funeral in Harlem two months ago at the Church of the Resurrection--it runs a parochial school in a clean, sound building within the Church. Supported by funds siphoned from the collection plates of the suburban middle class, many of whom can't afford Catholic schools for their own children, and yet the charity continues. And I will bet most of the kids at that school or at the Headstart building are Catholic. I see that there is a great deal of fruitfulness from the virtue of charity inspired by a Catholic faith. You may have a point that the hierarchy is slow to act, but knowledgeable Catholics will point out that Saints don't usually come from the hierarchy--that doesn't mean we don't need a hierarchy. V's wife.

37 posted on 01/18/2003 6:56:37 AM PST by ventana (Mary, help of Christians, pray for us.)
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To: Chancellor Palpatine
Dear CP,

The Catholic Church loudly opposed segregation, even prior to the 1950s. The Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Washington were integrated prior to Brown vs. Board of Education.

In Louisiana, through the 1950s and early 1960s, Archbishop Rummel pronounced that pro-segregationist Catholic legislators who voted for specific pro-segregation legislation incurred automatic excommunication. In 1962, he formally excommunicated three specific individuals for, "hinder[ing] his orders or provok[ing] the devoted people of this venerable archdiocese to disobedience or rebellion in the matter of opening our schools to all Catholic children".

In fact, if you do a little googling for yourself, you will find references to opposition to John Kennedy in 1960 on the basis that he would be forced to toe the pro-integrationist line of the Catholic Church.


sitetest
38 posted on 01/18/2003 6:57:04 AM PST by sitetest
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To: ventana
And I will bet most of the kids at that school or at the Headstart building are Catholic. Are NOT Catholic

Chancellor, since I suspect debate would be your strong suit, please restrict yourself to legitimate argumentation. The "when did you stop beating your wife" style is beneath your ability. V's wife.

39 posted on 01/18/2003 7:01:40 AM PST by ventana (Mary, help of Christians, pray for us.)
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To: sitetest; ventana
Intriguing - this was the first one I clicked on:

ARCHBISHOP FRANCIS RUMMEL - In 1953, Archbishop Francis Rummel gave full support to mostly black sugar cane workers on strike in south Louisiana. In a 1956 pastoral letter, Rummel said that racial segregation was "morally wrong and sinful" and insisted that "the alleged mental defects, moral and criminal propensities, economic short comings and social disabilities," far from being an indictment of black people and an argument against integration, was "an indictment against continuing segregation." Rummel promised to integrate the Catholic schools "no earlier than September 1956."He then ran into a storm of protest. The Catholic schools were finally integrated in 1962, two years after the first public schools. Historian Adam Fairclough has written, "Instead of setting a moral and practical example to the public schools, the church set an example of procrastination and delay".

As I went through the list of names and the credit for a passion for social justice and civil rights, I got a sudden mental notion that our Catholic FReepers would scold those same progressive clerics as being a source for rot.

I find myself wondering who the bad guys really are - the hierarchs and the support for secrecy and authoritarianism, or the liberals who want to decentralize authority and reach out to mankind?

40 posted on 01/18/2003 7:14:44 AM PST by Chancellor Palpatine
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