One of the very best things coming out of this election year BS.
Clear teaching from the Roman Catholic hierarchy.
Not just opinions from the blogosterium, but real clear teaching on faith and morals from the bishops of the United States:
Cardinal George of Chicago points out the errors of organizations such as, Catholics In Alliance for the Common Good, without directly naming them:
“Catholics in Alliance for the Common Good is an organization whose purpose is convincing Catholics to vote for pro-choice Democrats. The sleight of hand they employ in this task is to claim that such candidates align so well across the board with Catholic teaching on the common good, that their support for legalized abortion can be fairly overlooked. In fact, the group does not even call for the repeal of the Roe regime and is constantly critical of those who do, preferring to praise those pro-choice politicians who claim to reduce abortions by adjustments in social policy.
Cardinal George attacks that notion today in a letter posted to the Archdiocese of Chicago website (excerpt):
“The unborn child, who is alive and is a member of the human family, cannot defend himself or herself. Good law defends the defenseless. Our present laws permit unborn children to be privately killed. Laws that place unborn children outside the protection of law destroy both the children killed and the common good, which is the controlling principle of Catholic social teaching. One cannot favor the legal status quo on abortion and also be working for the common good.” - Catholic Key
The bishops better keep teaching loud and clear however, because there are many Catholics who think choice is the issue - not life.
(Thanks to my friend Paula for the story.)
September 4th, 2008 at 7:15 pm
As a Canadian about to be told we are going to the polls in a few months (the news will break on the weekend) I envy the US in at least this one point you have made. Here Catholic teaching will not likely be on the map in any shape or form.