Why is it that even when a diocese/bishop does the right thing, they have to bend over backwards to appear like they’re not? Case in point: In the Portland, Maine, diocese, a pro-abortion non-Catholic politician had his invitiation to speak at a Catholic parish rescinded. Sounds good so far. But then the diocese rushes to make it clear that he wasn’t dis-invited because of his pro-abortion views, but because of a blanket policy against any political candidates speaking on Church property during campaign season.
Why the rush away from the Church’s teaching on life? Why not just say, “We banned him because he supports the killing of innocent unborn life?” Sure, the diocese also says that it supports the policy adopted by the US bishops’ conference on not honoring “those who act in defiance of our fundamental moral principles.” But instead they had to emphasize that this policy wasn’t active. Again, I ask why. Is it reluctance to be pro-life? Embarassment at the Church’s teaching? Whatever it is, it doesn’t do much to impress upon lay Catholics the importance of being visibly and publicly pro-life.
The diocese’s attitude reminds of the running joke on “Seinfeld” that when any of the characters mentioned he wasn’t gay, he’d add, “Not that there’s anything wrong with that,” which immediately waters down whatever was said before it.
