Posted on 05/01/2009 3:16:21 PM PDT by presidio9
Bishop Joseph Martino of Scranton, Pennsylvania is once again taking on Sen. Bob Casey, who claims to be one of two pro-life Democrats in the Senate. However, Casey, who has cast votes for funding pro-abortion groups overseas, drew negative attention again for another recent vote.
Casey supported pro-abortion Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius in her nomination for Health Secretary.
Sebelius came under strong opposition from pro-life groups for her lengthy pro-abortion record vetoing numbers pro-life bills and her close relationship with late-term abortion practitioner George Tiller.
On Wednesday, the Diocese of Scranton released a statement from Martino reproducing an April 27 letter he sent to Casey decrying the senator's "inconsistent" pro-life voting record.
“Despite his claims of being 'pro-life,' Sen. Casey’s voting record thus far has been inconsistent,” the diocese said.
Citing those and other votes, the diocese indicated “Bishop Martino has communicated with Sen. Casey about these issues, and his responsibilities as a Catholic and a public official. The Bishop will continue to monitor the Senator’s positions and votes concerning life issues."
Should Casey continue casting pro-abortion votes, the diocese said he could face serious consequences.
“If necessary, future determinations will be made regarding whether Sen. Casey is worthy to receive Holy Communion. However, at this point Bishop Martino believes it is incumbent upon Sen. Casey to reflect on his actions and ask himself if he should receive the sacrament," the statement said.
In addition to his votes to not reinstate the Mexico City Policy and to support Sebelius, the diocese noted his vote to name pro-abortion attorney Elena Kagan as solicitor general even though she has supported partial-birth abortion and funding abortion businesses.
This is the second time Bishop Martino has reprimanded Casey.
In February, Martino sent him a letter accusing him of “cooperating with … evil” by casting the pro-abortion vote on the foreign abortion policy.
Bishop Martino said Casey's vote against the Mexico City Policy “will mean the deaths of thousands of unborn children" and reminded him that “this is an offense against life and a denial of our Catholic teaching on the dignity of every human being.”
Martino said Casey should reverse his vote because his “responsibilities as a Catholic … exceed even those of your office.”
Pleased to read this. I wish that some of the other Bishops would take such a stand — namely John Kerry’s Bishop, Nancy Pelosi’s Bishop, Joe Biden’s Bishop. I’d even like to see Sam Brownback tweaked for his vote to confirm Sebelius. Was that vote self serving so that he could run for Gov.?
Mega-kudos to Bishop Martino!!!
He’s my Bishop, and I am pleased with how he is handling Bobby Casey.
I don’t understand how the offspring of the very wonderful pro-life Bob Casey—THE REAL BOB CASEY— could have fallen so far into error.
It seems as if Satan himself is stalking the Casey family to get even with Governor Bob.
Begone, Satan!! Let go of your hold on Bobby Casey Jr.!!!
Brownback voted to confirm Sebelius? I had not heard this.
Brownback is now on my blacklist. Another one giving in to Satan and all his pomps.
It makes it worse for me that Junior graduated from the same school as me: Holy Cross. Then again, so did his father and Clarence Thomas, so all is not lost.
Remember Bob Edgar? Carbon Copy! Forgot the Clinton people wouldn’t let his father speak at their convention?
He’s actually one of them or he’d turn Republican. Don’t believe that? Watch his reaction to Obama’s pick to replace Souter. If he’s truly pro-life, he’ll join us in the battle.
Senator Brokeback decided to represent the Kansas political establishment over the actual voters of Kansas, his own purported political beliefs, or the Constitution.
Each Sunday during Mass,my friend Father Mike has us pray for the souls of Catholic politicians who support abortion. It’s probably the best thing we can do for these people.
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