Paul has some good commentary on the statement of Fifty-five Catholic who are Democrats (or is that Democrats who are Catholic) and members of the U.S. House of Representatives.
E.J. Dionne Jr. writes:
What’s significant is that this is not a statement from pro-choice Catholics trying to "reframe" the abortion question. The signatories include some of the staunchest opponents of abortion in the House, including Reps. Bart Stupak, Dale Kildee, Tim Holden, James Oberstar and James Langevin.
In other words, Democrats on both sides of the abortion question worry that it is crowding out all other concerns. And in very polite language, the Catholic Democrats suggest that their bishops allow them some room to disagree. "In all these issues, we seek the church’s guidance and assistance but believe also in the primacy of conscience," they write in an echo of Kennedy. "In recognizing the church’s role in providing moral leadership, we acknowledge and accept the tension that comes from being in disagreement with the church in some areas."
Have you ever heard "primacy of conscience" invoked which wasn’t immediately followed by some excuse to deny some part of the Catholic faith?
Definitely at odds with Blessed John Cardinal Newman’s "the voice of God in the nature and heart of man "
The voice of God does not say that you can murder his children. Even worse that some Catholic Democrats who have a zero percent NARAL rating are willing to support their fellows who have a 100 percent one. When instead they should be calling their party to repent of their support of abortion, ESCR, etc, instead of providing covering fire.
"As Catholic Democrats in Congress we are proud to be part of the living Catholic tradition " I guess this is much like that "living Constitution" thing. That is you have it mean whatever you want it to mean. In each case the founders (Jesus and the Fathers of the Constitution) original intent is substituted with something quite at odds to it. Democrats see everything as alive except a fetus.
Though of course the GOP has come to treat pro-lifers like the Democrats treat blacks. That is take them for granted and throw a rhetorical bone or two at times.
Captain Ed also opines and even indulges in some apologetics with a reference to the Didache.
5 comments
Captain Ed provides an excellent rebuttal.
I really hope Bishop Vasa or Chaput writes up a fantastic rebuttal in some sort of public letter.
Thanks for the link! You’re always good for a traffic spike!
But Billy, I wouldn’t look for any Bishops to publicaly reply to this.
Great insight, Jeff! Thanks!
This is classic…talk about a smoke screen.
So comforting to know that they believe in a “living Constitution” but don’t believe in a living embryo or fetus.