[chuckles]

I agree. This post is right on, on what the view of the Church SHOULD be. However, If it were possible, the author should look at the Church teachings on mixing socialistic policies into almost every government represented with a meaningful Catholic following. Look at the Church's leadership in South America and Central American dictatorships. How does Hugo Chavez get offered the Sacraments in Venezuela? What would happen if the Church refused him and condemned his actions against the people? What you will find is many Bishops either say "Stay out of local politics", or they actually are in favor of the dictators policies. What needs to be explained is when Jesus said to feed and clothe the poor, it meant "the Church", not the government. What treasure do you have telling the poor to fill out some forms at the government office? In many instances, the local Church has actually been involved in the coups that install the murderous dictator. When you hear of a nun or priest that has been murdered, first you have to know the background of the Church in that area before you can draw a conclusion. Many times we find out that the Church supported the thug that was taking over the country, even to the point of gun running and spreading cash. A short trip Googling "Jesuits" will open our minds.

To the point of the pope's opinion of socialism, he also condemns abortion, but the Church allows the Sacraments to Dems in Washington. Each one of which has probably voted to allow murdering babies to continue. If nothing else, they are a member of a political party that has as a plank in it's platform to allow such a thing. I would be interested if the pope has ever addressed THAT issue in his statements. When Pelosi left an audience with the pope, she said the issue wasn't decided. Of course, the Church made a statement that it was most definitely decided, but what happened to Pelosi, ......nada. That's the same thing that has happened to Father Phlager preaching communism in Rev Wrights church. And the same thing that happens to each and every Catholic that espouses socialism or collectivism.....nothing! Until Catholics have to at least agree with Church teachings to be Catholic, we will see that socialist teachings have ALREADY come to the fore in the Church. When the Church begins to expell non believers, maybe Catholics will be confronted with the choice of Jesus, or liberalism, but no more fenceriding lukewarmers. Until then, we will still see the Church supporting dictators that shoot people in the back of the head because they promised to feed the poor by STEALING money from the rich. You can look to El Salvador, Nicagragua, Argentina, Bolivia, and on and on to see the conflict in the Church. I'm sure Hugo Chavez thinks he is as good of a Catholic as anybody in Boston including the Kennedy's, and you know,.....he's probably right.

[the_conscience]

Is there a prescribed method of discipline in the Roman Church?

[Campion]

How does Hugo Chavez get offered the Sacraments in Venezuela?

Do you have any evidence that he does? I looked for it and couldn't find it. He's been divorced twice.

What would happen if the Church refused him and condemned his actions against the people?

In 2005, the Cardinal Archbishop of Caracas said that Chavez "needed an exorcism" and complained about Chavez's treatment of dissidents. In response, Chavez said that the Cardinal was a demon.

The relationship between the Church and Chavez isn't exactly what I'd call a happy one.