A group of 18 Catholic Democrat congressmen protested Pope Benedict’s comments on politicians who are pro-abortion. First, let’s just point out that what they’re protesting is what the mainstream media mis-reported Pope Benedict to have said, not what he actually said.
Second, who do they think they are? They don’t get to decide what constitutes proper Catholic belief and morality; God does and the Pope explicates it.
On Monday (May 14), Catholic House Democrats said Benedict’s comments “do a great disservice to the centuries of good work the church has done.”
“The fact is that religious sanction in the political arena directly conflicts with our fundamental beliefs about the role and responsibility of democratic representatives in a pluralistic America— it also clashes with freedoms guaranteed in our Constitution,” a statement from the 18 lawmakers said.
What these 18 Catholic stalwarts for the legalized murder of the unborn get wrong is that this is not about “the political arena” but about the “religious arena”, to put it in their imprecise language. More specifically, Pope Benedict is not talking about changing US governmental policy by strong-arming politicians, but expressing concern both for the scandal caused to the many Catholic faithful who might be misled that there is nothing wrong with abortion and for the politicians themselves who are putting their immortal souls in danger.
And as Phil Lawler adds:
The Democratic legislators go on to say that the Pope’s words jeopardize “freedoms guaranteed in our Constitution.” Once again, precisely wrong. The Constitution guarantees that religious bodies will be free from political control. Out of respect for that constitutional provision, the lawmakers should not try to use their own public influence to sway Church leaders.
These 18 apologists for abortion— including Reps. Rosa DeLauro, D-Conn., Patrick “Patches” Kennedy, D-R.I., and Joe Baca, D-Calif.— can ignore their consciences all they want, but they won’t sway Pope Benedict with their bleating. Like children who stamp their feet and bluster at their mother, “You’re not the boss of me,” they are quite wrong and deep down they know it.
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I think when the Holy Father comes to the USA next year, he should plan an audience with our Catholic Senators and Congressmen and Presidential Candidates (there still may be a Catholic one then), and give them a little talk about eternity.
He should make them feel like the little children they are.
Job 34:15 RSV
all flesh would perish together, and man would return to dust.
Patrick “Patches” Kennedy, D-R.I
Don’t you mean Patrick “Patches” Kennedy, DWI?