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'On this rock'
The Catholic Church stands firm
Date published: 11/27/2009
Man's capacity to know the truth is also darkened, and his will to submit to it is weakened. Thus, giving himself over to relativism and skepticism he goes off in search of an illusory freedom apart from truth itself. Pope John Paul II, Veritatas splendor, 1993 IT'S A "have it your way" world, one in which people expect to be able to choose their own ring tones, their own screen names, their own social networking images--and their own morality. But when "choice" collides with an authoritarian institution grounded in absolutes, fireworks ensue. Witness a couple of current conflicts involving secular politicians and the Roman Catholic Church. Rep. Patrick Kennedy, D-R.I., is, like his father, the late Sen. Ted Kennedy, a Roman Catholic and an advocate of easy access to abortions. Miffed that the U.S. Conference of Bishops had lobbied heavily to strip abortion funding from the House health-care reform bill, Mr. Kennedy said he could not understand "how the Catholic Church could be against the biggest social-justice issue of our time." He went on to reveal that Bishop Thomas Tobin of Providence had asked him not to receive Communion because of his stance on abortion and had instructed diocesan priests not to administer it to the congressman. (A diocesan spokesman told the Boston Globe that the bishop in a private letter had, indeed, asked Mr. Kennedy to refrain from taking Communion more than two years ago, but denied any episcopal discussions with parish priests on the subject.) The bishop quickly responded, saying he had "no desire to continue the discussion of Congressman Kennedy's spiritual life in public" but that he would "absolutely respond publicly and strongly whenever he attacks the Catholic Church, misrepresents the teachings of the church, or issues inaccurate statements about my pastoral ministry."
Date published: 11/27/2009
irishsignora - I agree with you. Everyone has the right to vote their conscience.
(posted by
Olivia55
, Nov. 30, 2009 3:19 pm)
When John Kennedy was elected, many were worried about the Catholic church exerting undo influence over his decisions and, at the time, the church assured everyone that would not happen. I voted for Kennedy (yes, I'm old) because I believed them. Now, ask yourself - if a Catholic was president now - would the church be able to say the same thing? Would they be able to say they are not trying to influence his political decisions? I don't think they could say that after this incident.
Olivia
(posted by
irishsignora
, Nov. 30, 2009 8:54 am)
Thank you for your politely stated point! I would add only that Catholics should be as free as any other American to vote their consciences, and to advocate for what they consider to be morally right. The physician who performs abortions has no more, or less, of a right to be heard in this country than the bishop who rightly denied Rep. Kennedy Communion. I would also note that, unlike some other denominations, Catholic clergy are barred from holding public office.
Kindly refrain from putting words in my mouth.
(posted by
irishsignora
, Nov. 30, 2009 8:49 am)
Lee, I am uncertain what in my post could possibly have been construed as support for the Iraq war. I am a faithful Catholic, and while it saddens me to see people turning away from the faith, I accept the right of those people to do so. I will respectfully decline to respond to your unkind and inaccurate characterization of the Church, but will pray that you are relieved of some of the hatred and rage towards my faith evidenced in your post.
Olivia, there is no
(posted by
True_Bob
, Nov. 29, 2009 9:36 pm)
organized religion that can be trusted to watch more than their own bottom line.
lee26 - Shame on you!
(posted by
Olivia55
, Nov. 29, 2009 3:16 pm)
Your comments speaks less about the Catholic Church and volumns about who you are. I am not Catholic but want to point out that your comments are not even Christian.The Catholic Church, like many other religions, has been among those persecuted in this country by far right psuedo - Christians. Remember, they had crosses burned on their lawns too. Maybe you got this stuff from your church or minister- if so I would question what they believe in. Certainly not Christ.
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