Posted on 01/09/2011 2:51:22 PM PST by marshmallow
PREMIER Kristina Keneally has lashed out at the head of her church in Australia, saying she was "saddened" by Cardinal George Pell for denouncing Catholic politicians who do not follow the church's teachings.
In an exclusive interview, Ms Keneally said Cardinal Pell risked being "interpreted as condemnatory and threatening" by urging MPs to stick to their religious convictions when making policy decisions on contentious social issues such as same-sex marriage.
Ms Keneally, a deeply committed Catholic with a Masters degree in religious studies, said: "I read those comments from the Archbishop and, if anything, they saddened me.
"Almost every Catholic politician I know takes their responsibility as an elected representative and their faith very seriously. Many have really struggled, as have I, when moral issues require us to vote - and particularly when it is a conscience vote."
Cardinal Pell told The Sunday Telegraph last week that Catholic politicians couldn't have it both ways on sensitive moral issues such as gay marriage and euthanasia, saying it was "incongruous for somebody to be a Captain Catholic one minute, saying they're as good a Catholic as the Pope, then voting against the established Christian traditions".
His remarks caused a split among Catholic MPs who have been grappling with contentious issues such as same-sex marriage, gay adoptions and euthanasia.
Liberal NSW Upper House MP David Clarke agreed with the Cardinal. "You can't just use your religion when you want to," he said.
Member for Lakemba Tony Stewart said: "I found those comments from Pell bizarre and straight from the 1950s.
"Trying to get politicians to vote in accordance to the Catholic Church is really to the detriment of what parliamentary representation is all about in Australia."
In a swipe at Cardinal Pell, suggesting he could be more helpful, Ms Keneally said: "Politicians of........
(Excerpt) Read more at dailytelegraph.com.au ...
Translation: I'd prefer to hear from the Cardinal only when he's offering support for my policies. Otherwise he should zip it.
Ping!
A few high-profile excommunications a long time ago would have prevented this kind of “Catholic” politician from using her Catholic identity to get elected.
A simple retort should be that it *is* the job of heaven, *not* that of elected officials, to determine moral truths. Likewise, a man cannot have two masters. So choose heaven or choose your own egotism, but do not expect others to think for a moment that what you do is sanctified, in heaven, or even on Earth.
Embrace the teachings of Catholicism, or be on your way and stop calling yourself a Catholic.
It comes down to this. Are you voting for what you know is right or wrong according the the teachings your religious life has taught you, or are you like Pelosi and voting for what your Church has taught you is wrong ,to see that the party and yourself get re-elected next time.
There is no problem. You are either Catholic and do not agree with Homosexuality or abortion, or you are a backsliding politician, voting for re-election.
That's *it* in a nutshell. Keneally's not a Catholic, "deeply committed" or otherwise. She should be refused Holy Communion, and be excommunicated. It's way past the time for the "pastoral approach." After the last few decades of no serious consequences, these politicians think that Catholic Moral Doctrine is optional.
Member for Lakemba Tony Stewart said: "I found those comments from Pell bizarre and straight from the 1950s.
"Trying to get politicians to vote in accordance to the Catholic Church is really to the detriment of what parliamentary representation is all about in Australia."
What *I* find bizarre is that Stewart refers to himself as being Catholic.
I pray for these, as well as CINO politicians throughout the world, lest they face Jesus at the end, only to discover that *He* disagrees with *their* views.
In a swipe at Cardinal Pell, suggesting he could be more helpful, Ms Keneally said: "Politicians of faith often would like to turn to religious leaders for pastoral advice and guidance, and sometimes that's not available."
Have some cheese with that whine.
These people are so absurd they’re hilarious! I can just imagine the smug smirks on their faces as they fancy themselves more sophisticated & enlightened than some wrinkly old cardinal.
I agree - a massive excommunication is in order.
Sacred tradition
It is disgraceful to find politicians who claim to be Catholic, yet do not believe in all of what the Catholic Church teaches on faith and morals.
The Premier, Kristina Keneally, for instance, calls herself a Catholic, yet she voted in support of the ‘same sex adoption’ bill.
This will lead to child abuse in children, among other things, being denied their right to a mother and a father.
The Premier needs to wake up!
-Signed
Sounds like the CINO never met a liberal cause she didn't like. She and San Fran Nan could become sister cities or something.
Don't kid yourself, honey. St. Thomas More was probably the last British subject politician who really had to struggle.
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