Posted on 06/07/2007 10:34:27 PM PDT by monomaniac
Australian Archbishop Under Investigation for Telling Anti-Life Catholic Politicians not to Receive Communion
PERTH, Australia, June 7, 2007 (LifeSiteNews.com) - Archbishop Barry Hickey of Perth is under parliamentary investigation for a supposed "threat" against Catholic politicians who vote for embryonic stem cell research. A State Committee will examine remarks made by the pro-life archbishop that support Church teaching on embryonic stem cell research.
Archbishop Hickey told the West Australian newspaper, "Catholics who vote for the cloning of embryos destined for destruction are acting against the teaching of the Church on a very serious matter and they should in conscience not vote that way, but if they do in conscience they should not go to communion."
The archbishop did not say that he would excommunicate anyone. As the Brisbane Times reports, he said, "he would not refuse holy communion and excommunication would be a last resort."
Outraged by these words, Fred Riebeling, Speaker for the Western Australia Parliament, accused the archbishop of threatening politicians and stated that an official investigation would examine his remarks. Catholic World News reports that Archbishop Hickey denied the spurious "threat" charge, but firmly stated, "On this very vital area I couldn't be silent…I had to speak about conscience and I would call on Catholic politicians to examine their conscience before taking communion if they supported stem cell research."
Speaking of Archbishop Hickey, Reibeling told the West Australian, "He has said he didn't make a threat. I think he's the only person in Australia that doesn't think that."
Several prominent Catholic politicians, including Premier Morris Iemma and his deputy John Watkins are remaining in stubborn disobedience to the Church's teaching. The Brisbane times reports, however, that Australian Prime Minister John Howard contradicted Riebeling's condemnation and commented on the archbishop's words, saying, "he does not think they were meant to direct politicians."
Archbishop Hickey supports statements made on Tuesday by Cardinal George Pell, Archbishop of Sydney, who underlined the "serious moral matter" of voting in favor of a new bill that would allow cloning and other immoral, experimental processes on embryos in NSW. (see http://www.lifesite.net/ldn/2007/jun/07060607.html) Both church leaders have given clear wake-up calls to the consciences of Catholic politicians, telling them not to compromise on some of the most basic moral issues.
Jim Hughes, President of Campaign Life Coalition, Canada describes the situation, declaring, "I am outraged that any politician who calls him or herself Catholic would not support Church teaching. I think it's time for them to make a choice. They are either Catholics or secular politicians with no moral roots. How dare politicians accuse Archbishop Hickey of making threats and subject him to investigation when he is stating the truth. It is intolerable and hypocritical for anyone to tell the archbishop how to run the Church. I ask all Catholics to support Archbishop Hickey and in every way to encourage his effort on behalf of the pro-life movement."
To contact the Archbishop:
Archdiocese of Perth Catholic Church Office St Mary's Cathedral, 17 Victoria Square Perth, Western Australia Telephone: +61 (0)8 9223 1351 Fax: +61 (0)8 9221 1716 E-mail: archsec@perthcatholic.org.au
See Related Coverage
Cardinal May Withhold Communion from NSW Premier for Supporting Cloning http://www.lifesite.net/ldn/2007/jun/07060511.html
Catholic Australian Politician would Rather "Go to Hell" than Back Down on Embryonic Stem Cell Issue http://www.lifesite.net/ldn/2007/jun/07060607.html
I don’t understand why he can’t threaten a politician in this manner. It’s not a threat of violence, nor blackmail against any crimes they committed.
It’s only a threat of some perceived private contract: “If you do X, then I will react...”
Send anemail of support to the Archdiocese. I hope the Bishops in the USA will follow this brave apostle’s example.
“Archbishop Barry Hickey of Perth is under parliamentary investigation for a supposed “threat” against Catholic politicians who vote for embryonic stem cell research. A State Committee will examine remarks made by the pro-life archbishop that support Church teaching on embryonic stem cell research.”
Are they trying to mirror Vietnam’s policies towards religious leaders not towing the line?
Ex communicating Teddy Kennedy and Kerry would be a good start over here.
STATEMENT FROM CARDINAL JUSTIN RIGALI REGARDING PHILADELPHIA CITY COUNCIL'S RESOLUTION TO ADOPT STATUS AS A PRO-CHOICE CITY
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1846975/posts
It is a wake up call when we see the simplicity and clarity of his reply. In a world of obfiscation and avoidance of morality, this is a refreshing drink of cool water.
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