Posted on 07/28/2004 5:57:01 AM PDT by Convert from ECUSA
"Perhaps the best rebuttal to those pro-abortion "Catholic" politicians in Washington and the statehouses who argue it is their duty to represent all their constituents and not vote or act on legislation based on their own personal beliefs — which reportedly mirror Church doctrine condemning the killing of the unborn — are the words uttered by the 16th century English statesman, St. Thomas More." ... "Clearly these Catholic politicians have elevated the goal of getting elected above their solemn duty to defend the Faith and the most vulnerable in society. The Catechism of the Catholic Church states: "God, the Lord of life, has entrusted to men the noble mission of safeguarding life, and men must carry it out in a manner worthy of themselves. Life must be protected with the utmost care from the moment of conception: abortion and infanticide are abominable crimes."
"Hopeful signs, though, amid this moral chaos are the recent proclamations of a handful of Catholic bishops warning Catholic politicians who support legalized abortion not to present themselves for Holy Communion. Indeed, these clergy are simply complying with their church's own Canon Law, which mandates the denial of Communion to all "manifest, obstinate, persistent sinners." These few stalwart shepherds are finally realizing that by not speaking out, they are imperiling the immortal souls of their flocks — as well as their own.
After being found guilty of treason, Sir Thomas More was beheaded on July 6, 1535. His crime was his refusal to recognize the King as the self-proclaimed supreme head of the church in England. Reportedly, among More's few final words on the scaffold were that he died "the King's good servant, but God's first." ... "If only more of today's Catholic politicians would pay heed to the sterling example set by their patron saint."
Here is the link for the full article:
http://www.seattlecatholic.com/article_20040727.html
(Excerpt) Read more at seattlecatholic.com ...
There is also the following quote beneath the article:
"Better that only a few Catholics should be left, staunch and sincere in their religion, than that they should, remaining many, desire as it were, to be in collusion with the Church's enemies and in conformity with the open foes of our faith." –St. Peter Canisius (1521-1597) - Truer words were never spoken!
Yes, these few good shepherds know that THEY are responsible for teaching the correct faith to their flock and are not afraid to speak it or die for it. Unfortunately, others find it easier to hide under rocks and maintain a "can't everyone get along" position. Cowards!!
Very good and truthful article by the way.
Thanks.
"Unfortunately, others find it easier to hide under rocks and maintain a "can't everyone get along" position. Cowards!!"
Yep. I called them "romanized episcopagans" when I was Anglican, and they were a stumbling block to my crossing the Tiber. I still call them that, there is little difference between them and the majority of ECUSA bishops. Both communities have good shepherds, but they are in a minority.
I learned when I was Anglican in the ECUSA that I was on my own as far as the faith-walk went. I had a great rector at my old ECUSA parish (another rarity), but learned quickly that 99% of the leaders were irrelevant to my faith-walk and would have to be ignored if I wasn't going to be sucked under. It seems that I must have the same mindset in the RCC, at least in the USA. Sad. But I've had a lot of practice.
Paraphrasing what Christ said: "The Pharisees sit in the seat of Moses, so you must listen to them. But do not do as they do."
In the same context, is it not hypocritical for Catholics to support capitol punishment and a war that has taken the lives of over 10,000 innocent civilians, while the ten commandments clearly state that murder is a sin?
Your logic does not hold.
Capital punishment is not intrinsically evil, nor is just war.
The Catholic Church is not against the just application of capital punishment, nor is it pacifist. It is, however, against the purposeful killing of the innocent, which is always and everywhere intrinsically evil.
The current Pope's statements regarding his personal beliefs about how often capital punishment should be used, and which wars are just, are his opinions about the application of these principles.
Thus, Catholics are completely free to support capital punishment and just war. (note: I am not claiming that the war in Iraq was just, nor that it wasn't. That is a matter of debate, and isn't related to this thread.)
No human being is free to support the willful murder of innocent people, and thus abortion is NEVER an option.
Keep up the good work. Fight the good fight and we will win the race.
:) Thanks! I had lots of practice as a conservative/traditional Anglican in the ECUSA! Difference is on this side of the Tiber there are 2000 years of Sacred Tradition, an extra 1500 years of history where despite the ups and downs the gates of Hell haven't prevailed, and despite controversies, the office of a Prime Minister of the King in Rome who has authority to settle things.
The more of us Catholics that stay, the more ticked off the libs in the Church are. I left one church home already due to those termites. By me, next time, it will be the termites that leave - I got tired of being a gypsy!
He who smites a man, so that he die, shall be surely put to death. EXODUS 21:12.
Whoever sheds man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed. GENESIS 9:6.
Concerning secular power we declare that without mortal sin it is possible to exercise a judgment of blood as long as one proceeds to bring punishment not in hatred but in judgment, not incautiously but advisedly. (Innocent III, Profession of Faith for the Waldensians, DZ 425)
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