Hey did you know that not only did John Kerry serve in Vietnam, he’s a good Catholic too? I know, I just found out today too. Why didn’t I hear about this before?
Seriously, Kerry takes the last refuge of the weaselly Catholic politician: I’m just as bad as the other guy.
Mr. Kerry became combative when told that some conservatives were criticizing him for being a Roman Catholic who supported policies, like abortion rights and same-sex unions, that are at odds with Catholic teaching. “Who are they?” he demanded of his questioner. “Name them. Are they the same legislators who vote for the death penalty, which is in contravention of Catholic teaching?”
Actually, Johnny-boy, if you’ll open your Catechism to the proper section, you’ll learn that the death penalty is not in contravention of Catholic teaching, but that how and when it’s carried out is subject to certain prudential decisions. However, abortion is never licit and that’s the big no-no, my boy.
He added: “I’m not a church spokesman. I’m a legislator running for president. My oath is to uphold the Constitution of the United States in my public life. My oath privately between me and God was defined in the Catholic church by Pius XXIII and Pope Paul VI in the Vatican II, which allows for freedom of conscience for Catholics with respect to these choices, and that is exactly where I am. And it is separate. Our constitution separates church and state, and they should be reminded of that.”
Pius XXIII? Maybe he’s getting papal encyclicals from the future.
It’s really sad what Kerry says here. Basically he’s saying that he places his political aspirations and pandering above any duty to truth, goodness, and submission to the will of God. God have mercy on him and may the Holy Spirit bring him true conversion, because the path he’s on is not a good one.
Update: Note also that Kerry admits that there are stances that contravene Catholic teaching, even if he’s wrong about which ones. So where does that leave him? He as much as admits that he knows what he’s doing is wrong, but continues in his obstinacy for political gain.
The longer Kerry and his big mouth continue to pontificate regarding what “good Catholics” can believe, say, and do in accord with the “oath”(?) without a comprehensive response from the Catholic Church—it is an ongoing grave scandal.
And I’m not talking about bloggers or Phil Lawler, or Deal Hudson, or William Donohue…
What is O’Malley waiting for?
The bishops need to confront Kerry now or get out of the business of calling (some) sinners to repent.