Times Herald-Record: Pope to Catholic pols: Support
abortion and you're out of the church |
Site last published: 01/06/10
Times Herald-Record: Pope to Catholic pols: Support abortion and you're out of the church
May 09,2007
Abortion
issue pits the sacred, secular
By: Michael Randall
Support abortion and you're out of the Catholic church.
That, in essence, was the stern message today from Pope Benedict XVI to Roman Catholic politicians who support laws that permit abortions. Such politicians, Benedict said, face excommunication from the church.
Excommunication is a kind of exile from the church. According to the Catholic Encyclopedia, you're still a Christian because your baptism can't be undone, but you can't attend Mass and you can't receive Holy Communion or the other sacraments.
Nevertheless, some local Catholic lawmakers don't think their pro-choice stand on abortion makes them bad Catholics.
Take Rep. Maurice Hinchey, D-Hurley, who said abortion is a civic and women's rights issue.
"I'm not an advocate of abortion, but I do think this is an issue that has to be decided by a woman and her doctor, and they should not be dictated to by outside forces," he said.
And Hinchey had some tough words of his own for religious leaders and others who say they support the right to life.
"If there is a sincere concern about life, especially the life of children, both government and religion should focus on taking better care of infants and children," Hinchey said, whether it's in war-torn places like Iraq; Africa, where there's a lack of food and water; or even the United States.
But a local ad hoc anti-abortion group planning a May 19 demonstration calling on the church to deny Hinchey Holy Communion, was heartened by the pope's words.
"This is very strong confirmation of what we've been saying," said Vincent Ferro, a member of the group.
The pope made the comments on his way to Brazil — the first stop on a five-day visit to Latin America — where many Catholics are torn between traditional church teaching and the pressures of the modern world. The pope referred to a law making abortion legal in Mexico City in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, but by extension, his remarks would apply to Catholic politicians everywhere. The pope said he wasn't announcing a new policy, merely restating existing church doctrine.
Assemblyman Kevin Cahill, D-Kingston, said taking extreme steps like excommunication or barring a politician from the sacraments "drives away good Catholics who don't take the same position as the pope or the church" on a single issue, when there are many issues, such as the eradication of poverty, where the church and politicians share common ground.
But Assemblyman Tom Kirwan, R-C-Newburgh, who opposes abortion, doesn't think you can separate your religious beliefs from what you do in office.
"Whatever religion you are, it has to color your actions," he said.
Kirwan also said no one should be surprised by what the pope said.
"It never fails to amaze me when editorial writers are shocked to find out the pope is Catholic," Kirwan said.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
By: Michael Randall
Support abortion and you're out of the Catholic church.
That, in essence, was the stern message today from Pope Benedict XVI to Roman Catholic politicians who support laws that permit abortions. Such politicians, Benedict said, face excommunication from the church.
Excommunication is a kind of exile from the church. According to the Catholic Encyclopedia, you're still a Christian because your baptism can't be undone, but you can't attend Mass and you can't receive Holy Communion or the other sacraments.
Nevertheless, some local Catholic lawmakers don't think their pro-choice stand on abortion makes them bad Catholics.
Take Rep. Maurice Hinchey, D-Hurley, who said abortion is a civic and women's rights issue.
"I'm not an advocate of abortion, but I do think this is an issue that has to be decided by a woman and her doctor, and they should not be dictated to by outside forces," he said.
And Hinchey had some tough words of his own for religious leaders and others who say they support the right to life.
"If there is a sincere concern about life, especially the life of children, both government and religion should focus on taking better care of infants and children," Hinchey said, whether it's in war-torn places like Iraq; Africa, where there's a lack of food and water; or even the United States.
But a local ad hoc anti-abortion group planning a May 19 demonstration calling on the church to deny Hinchey Holy Communion, was heartened by the pope's words.
"This is very strong confirmation of what we've been saying," said Vincent Ferro, a member of the group.
The pope made the comments on his way to Brazil — the first stop on a five-day visit to Latin America — where many Catholics are torn between traditional church teaching and the pressures of the modern world. The pope referred to a law making abortion legal in Mexico City in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, but by extension, his remarks would apply to Catholic politicians everywhere. The pope said he wasn't announcing a new policy, merely restating existing church doctrine.
Assemblyman Kevin Cahill, D-Kingston, said taking extreme steps like excommunication or barring a politician from the sacraments "drives away good Catholics who don't take the same position as the pope or the church" on a single issue, when there are many issues, such as the eradication of poverty, where the church and politicians share common ground.
But Assemblyman Tom Kirwan, R-C-Newburgh, who opposes abortion, doesn't think you can separate your religious beliefs from what you do in office.
"Whatever religion you are, it has to color your actions," he said.
Kirwan also said no one should be surprised by what the pope said.
"It never fails to amaze me when editorial writers are shocked to find out the pope is Catholic," Kirwan said.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.