Posted on 08/26/2008 11:35:57 AM PDT by doug from upland
Bishops Respond to House Speaker Pelosi's Misrepresentation of Church Teaching Against Abortion
WASHINGTON, Aug. 26 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Cardinal Justin F. Rigali, chairman of the U.S. Bishops' Committee on Pro-Life Activities, and Bishop William E. Lori, chairman of the U.S. Bishops' Committee on Doctrine, have issued the following statement:
In the course of a "Meet the Press" interview on abortion and other public issues on August 24, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi misrepresented the history and nature of the authentic teaching of the Catholic Church against abortion.
In fact, the Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches, "Since the first century the Church has affirmed the moral evil of every procured abortion. This teaching has not changed and remains unchangeable. Direct abortion, that is to say, abortion willed either as an end or a means, is gravely contrary to the moral law." (No. 2271)
In the Middle Ages, uninformed and inadequate theories about embryology led some theologians to speculate that specifically human life capable of receiving an immortal soul may not exist until a few weeks into pregnancy. While in canon law these theories led to a distinction in penalties between very early and later abortions, the Church's moral teaching never justified or permitted abortion at any stage of development.
These mistaken biological theories became obsolete over 150 years ago when scientists discovered that a new human individual comes into being from the union of sperm and egg at fertilization. In keeping with this modern understanding, the Church teaches that from the time of conception (fertilization), each member of the human species must be given the full respect due to a human person, beginning with respect for the fundamental right to life.
More information on the Church's teaching on this issue can be found in our brochure "The Catholic Church is a Pro-Life Church". http://www.usccb.org/prolife/issues/abortion/index.shtml
In other words, the Cathiolic Church says “Hey Nancy, ST*U!”
Now if the Catholic Church would finally ex-communicate pro-abortion lawmakers who claim to be Catholic...
They have excommunicated themselves according to Canon Law. I agree with you, though... it's time to make it very public.
In my thinking, Ms Pelosi herself should be excommunicated.
Everyone needs to be aware that 'conception' is often used to refer to the implantation of the zygote and not strictly to fertilization.
Thus birth-control pills (that also work by preventing implantation of the zygote) and similar forms of 'birth control' actually result in the spontaneous abortion of zygotes.
This is why the Christian community cannot get rid of abortion in America. Too many 'good, Christian ladies' sitting in church spontaneously aborting their children through 'birth control'.
I did not know this about Catecism and Church law so I was glad I watched MTP - the past 2 days have been a real education. I wonder if Russert would have pursued Nancy on this - he was an old alter boy, you know.
The question now is - Is Nancy mistaken, ignorant or telling bald faced LIES?
This underscores the question I have with the Catholic response up until now. Every reply has been to correct her on the issue of when life begins. There has been no response to her statement about still being able to take the Sacrament of Communion.
If, as you say, Canon Law dictates Pelosi has excommunicated herself, the public at large doesn't know or understand this. To us, it would appear the Church is circumventing the issue. Something far more decisive would seem in order.
“excommunicated themselves” is a chicknsht way to approach this.
Take an active step.
They’re encouraging the killing of babies.
Ms Pelosi herself should be excommunicated.
According to cannon law, she already is.
Gentlemen... that was entirely my point.
Abortion is a fundamental issue in the Catholic Church. I wish “Catholics” who think it’s somehow ok would either educate themselves on the facts and reconsider their position or find another church.
It’s obvious people like Joe Biden don’t understand the true meaning of being Catholic. Punching your attendance card at church every sunday does not make you a good Catholic. Modeling your life after Christ is what it is all about. Does any honest Christian believe Christ would advocate the destruction of innocent human life?
Gentlemen... that was entirely my point.
Yes, I know. I was just pointing out the necessity because of public ignorance of Church affairs. If whatever Archbishop has responsibility does nothing, then the Church could appear indecisive or complicit.
AMEN!
Yes. In fact, the AMA changed the medical definition of conception from fertilization to implantation following the advent of the birth control pill.
So much for objective scientists.
The only thing I have heard, some priests won’t give her Communion. I would like to see her very publicly excommunicated—but maybe I’m being too harsh.
My understanding of the hormone based birth control pill is that the egg is not released, therefore, no fertilization happens.
Your post seems to assume that the bc pill prevents implantation. There are devices that do that, but the bc pill doesn’t.
“Now if the Catholic Church would finally ex-communicate pro-abortion lawmakers who claim to be Catholic...
They have excommunicated themselves according to Canon Law. I agree with you, though... it’s time to make it very public.”
I agree. In this age of rapid communication, people need to be able to see CLEARLY that the Church teaches that support for abortion is a grave evil.
Usually that is the case, however, it does not fully stop that process. The second thing that bc pills do is prevent uterine lining, that would be receptive to a zygote (thus preventing what *should* be a pregnancy).
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.