Vatican officials seldom single out political leaders who differ with the Church on issues like abortion rights or embryonic stem cell research. But now that the Vatican’s highest court is led by an American, the former St. Louis Archbishop Raymond Burke, we can expect things to get more explicit in Vatican City — at least when when it comes to U.S. politics.
Burke, who was named prefect of the Vatican’s Supreme Court of the Apostolic Signature in June, told the Italian Catholic newspaper Avvenire that the U.S. Democratic Party risked “transforming itself definitively into a party of death for its decisions on bioethical issues.” He then attacked two of the party’s most high profile Catholics — vice presidential candidate Joe Biden and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi — for misrepresenting Church teaching on abortion.
He said Biden and Pelosi, “while presenting themselves as good Catholics, have presented Church doctrine on abortion in a false and tendentious way.”
Pelosi drew U.S. bishops’ scorn for saying in a television interview last month that the Church itself had long debated when human life begins. Biden is a practicing Catholic who also supports abortion rights and analysts have said he could help woo wavering Catholics into Obama’s fold. Both argue that they cannot impose their religious views on others.
Burke said pro-life Democrats were “rare” and that it saddened him that the party that helped “our immigrant parents and grandparents” prosper in America had changed so much over the years.
Burke made headlines as archbishop of St. Louis for his public attacks on public figures who strayed from Catholic teaching. He suggested during the 2004 presidential campaign that Democratic presidential nominee John Kerry, a Catholic, should be denied communion because of his views on abortion. Several bishops said at the time they would not give him communion and the media staked out churches where he attended Mass to see if he received it.
“Lately, I’ve noticed that other bishops are coming to this position,” Burke told Avvenire, which is owned by the Italian bishops’ conference.
Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, now Pope Benedict XVI, wrote a letter in 2004 to American bishops restating the Church position that a priest must refuse to distribute communion to a Catholic politician who supported abortion rights. But Burke lamented that the letter was never distributed.
Burke’s criticism isn’t limited to Democrats. Last year, he accused singer Sheryl Crow of being “a high profile proponent of the destruction of innocent lives” for defending a woman’s right to have an abortion and for being a proponent of stem cell research. He resigned as head of a children’s medical charity that featured the singer for a benefit concert.
Pope Benedict has been encouraging Catholic bishops to speak out more openly on public policy issues to make the Church’s voice heard. Any bets on when we’ll hear from Burke next?
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Bishop Burke is the best; God bless him. Our Church needs more brave, orthodox leaders like him.
- Posted by GeneThe Catholic Church has always been Pro-Life and will always be Pro Life. If a Catholic does not agree with the Church’s teachings and doctrine then they need to leave the church. Abortion is the murder of a human being.
- Posted by RebeccaI am a mother and a wife of 13 years. When we miscarried it was one of the saddest times in our lives. The day I was blessed with my son I found it to be one of the most joyfullest experience. I do realize that there are women who have unplanned pregnancies- worst cases even raped. I don’t want to get into a blog debate or point the figure at anyone. As a women I just can’t understand how life can be taken away regardless the circumstances. On average every day, over 3500 viable babies are aborted in the USA alone.. That’s over 1.2 million abortions every year here. War is soldier to soldier and sadly civilian are lost. I lost a good friend myself. Abortion is mother to child. My heart feels broken as it did when I lost my child at14weeks. I think about what he or she could be like. Yes I believe in God. I am not a Catholic. I do believe that we as a people-especially women should do something to end the right to abort. Unfortunately there are no real leaders that have courage to get the ball rolling to put a complete stop to Abortion. So I don’t think it truly matters what political party, what church you are a part of. If a baby dies before it is born — as in an abortion — the woman who conceived it is still a “mother.”
- Posted by YolandaIsn’t it wonderful to be able to devour christians? What religion are the commentors? How many of us are “fatally cool” you know, wanting to be liked and accepted or “cool” or “all that” that we do not have enough love and self respect to be honest about what we believe to give others the respect they deserve.
Jesus last words to the people crucifying Him, spitting on Him and Mockings was in love and mercy… saying “Father forgive them - FOR THEY DO NOT KNOW/UNDERSTAND WHAT THEY ARE DOING.
As I read the commentary to this article was so full of hatred, spite and envy, etc… I felt the wounds they intended in my heart, soul and mind and it hurts deeply. I am sad that still the “liberal humanitarian” democrats and republicans cand still spew such hatred with so much concern for their own opinion without the ability or even slightest hint fo wanting to appreciate or understand the other person- who has just as much value and the other. When you love God and others as yourself -you are near to peace.
- Posted by MuhrMichael Cecil and others would do well and serve the cause of truth if they’d first consult scholarly works on the issue of waging a just war and the legitimacy of preemptive action in certain limited circumstances before spewing this nonsense that adopting a lawful though controversial position, i.e. the war in Iraq, is the moral equivalent of the willful taking of innocent human life, whether in the name of “choice” as with abortion or “convenience” as with assisted suicide or “science” as with cloning, stem cell research. Everyone is free to accept or reject the basic teachings of the church, but, if you repudiate them, at least have the courage to admit that you’re calling yourself a Catholic only as a matter of birthright and political expediency, not because you accept the church’s core beliefs.
- Posted by joeThe Catholic Doctrine is pro-life. Nancy Pelosi stated that after years of research, she could not find the Church stand on when life began. The statement is simple, pro choice Catholics are in violation of doctrine. I am sure Nancy Pelosi was shocked to find that out. She did research the subject for years.
You can argue if it is right or wrong, all day, but reading the Catechism of the Catholic Church will answer questions on the Church stance on Abortion, War, Suicide, and the Death Penalty. Nancy Pelosi should buy one, or she can use mine.
As far as the Separation of Church and State. The intent was to prevent the Government for identifying one church as the “National” church. It lets Americans chose their church.
If you believe in abortion, find a church doctrine that supports it. Don’t expect the Catholic Church, the Universal Church, to except the legislation the United States has come forth with.
Another insight might be to actually read “Roe vs Wade” rather than regurgitating what you hear on television. It made me question a father’s rights, or how did we get to aborting a child while in the birth canal. Obama has voted four times that a child surviving an abortion, should be left to die.
- Posted by RobRe:abortion, et al. Such actions are wrong because they are morally wrong, not because any religion says so. Although one of the people in this discussion may find a “religion” that endorses destruction of life. A Jim Jones type I suppose.
- Posted by cAs a member of the Catholic Church, I can say without hesitation that the Vatican is not consistent on pro-life issues because this really isn’t about fetus; it is about controlling the lives of women, always has been. The Cathoic Church has a long, bloody history of rape, torture, imprisonment, theft, murder and mayhem when it comes to the treatment of women. Women have next to no voice in church affairs, but are expected to financially support the institution that shows them and their supporters such disrespect. Senator Biden and Speaker Pelosi are just the latest targets for badmouthing. American women, in particular, are singled out for their stance on reproductive issues, but, for the Bishops, it really is a loosing position. There is no going back to the “good ole’ days” when men ruled; today’s women expect to have control of their reproduction, as well as most other aspects of their lives and threatening our supports and those who show respect for others, itsn’t going to change the outcome of progress for women and other that the church hierarchy has mistreated and continues to deny their human rights. Go Senator Biden and Speaker Pelosi; keep speaking your truth to power, we support your efforts.
- Posted by AliceIt took me a long time to understand that God’s plan might not be the same our plan. Which of us chose when we would be born? The more we try to reject our creator and run our own show, the more pain we will suffer.
If anyone out there has an unwanted pregancy and is considering abortion, I know lots of people who would love your baby, including me. Also, there are lots of support options if you are brave enough to accept (and keep) the most beautiful gift that God gives - life.
- Posted by KayThe Catholic Church is about nothing more than Social Control and Untaxed mega-wealth. I say “abort” the Catholic church and we’ll all be better off.
- Posted by DFDoeRoland,
I find it interesting that you consider me “self righteous” when I simply stated historical events. Building nations isn’t clean and perhaps you missed it, but I said that in my original post. If you were to look at my post again, you would see that I took issue with the notion that our country was made great from “not having contempt for GOD’s spiritual truth.” The way in which our country was made great was, to use your words, not “neat and clean,” and many things that were done in the building of America could be considered an abuse of religion because there were those who invoked God’s divine favor and/or blessing in the practice of slavery, intolerance, theft, and dishonesty. (I also pointed out that all nations have equally disreputable backgrounds).
I should have included that Native Americans were also used as slaves and that there were European indentured servants, though the European indentured servants came to America by their own free will and exchanged their labor for the transatlantic passage. Technically, I was incorrect to use only the the term “African slaves” to describe the early beginnings of America, though the main point of that particular part of my post remains the same (slavery was used).
I do not dispute the fact that America is a great country, but I do take issue with the notion that everything that made our country great was the result of “not having contempt for GOD’s spiritual truth.” As history shows, some of the very practices used to acquire land and propel America to where it is today were based on practices that show contempt for the Christian principles many colonists of that time professed to embrace, and that cannot be disputed. At the beginning of our nation, at the very foundation, man’s best and worst qualities were at work.
- Posted by ElleYes, it’s wonderful how justification can be made for the snuffing out of INNOCENT life and God forbid some one should have an opinion other than that of the liberal press. But if it’s about defending ones self or the nation then that is wrong. We live in a time of bizzaro.
- Posted by StevenWe have become a nation of people who do not have to be responsible for their own actions. Using abortion as birth control is abominable!! And don’t deny it but basically that is what is happening.
- Posted by Jackie KelleyAs far as comparing the chuches involvement with this and our involvement with Iraq and Iran etc is rediculous.
Thousands of Kurds were gassed by Saadam and buried under a highway. The rape rooms in his ‘palace’ were real, and our going in to rid this part of the world with this kind of evil is a blessing to women and a race of people that had no other options or hope in their future.
Do we like war any better than the other side? Not just no but H&LL no!!! After Obama has taken all our military capability away from us and there is no one to stop this evil from invading the world (and they are already here, believe it) who then will be there to save us?
God gave us all choices, and we had better make them carefully. The change he is calling for is NOT change we can live with. America with all its faults is the only country of HOPE for a world falling apart. Without our military strenth we are ripe for takeover.
Mr. Obama has also voted 4 times against stopping late term abortions. Does this make a difference???
I believe the major problem with our world today is people trying so hard to make what they know is wrong into being right. Trying to pretty up there words so that they don’t feel so bad about it.People know what is right and what good morale values are. whether it be religion or politics. And as for those that might say politics and religion don’t mix, they are flat out wrong.The truth of the matter is abortion kills human beings. It’s not the killing of trees or animals. It is a human life with a soul.It is in my mind murder no matter how pretty you want to make it sound.
- Posted by Mitzi FortierAs an active pro-life and catholic I agreed completelly with the Vatican views of the Democratic Party, I use to be Democrat, not any more, and just because of the view the party has about abortion, euthanasia, etc. LIFE is precious since the very begining until the natural death. And you can not be a CHRISTIAN and pro-abortion.
- Posted by Martha LopezThe Catholic Church is not impossing their view, they are telling you what is truth since the Old Testament.
GOD BLESS AMERICA!
Wow. Lots of “interesting” comments.
First, just because Archbishop Burke has said that the Democratic party has become the party of death, doesn’t mean he has called the Republican party the party of life. The Republican party is simply the party where there is still hope for life.
Second, as long as there is pride, there will always be a need for war, because there will always be tyrants who will only be able to understand one thing: getting their butts whupped in war by those whom they wage war upon in order to dominate. I am making no statements about Iraq or the war on terror here. I AM making a statement on the modern sentiment that all war is evil and that there is never anything good for which it is worth fighting. This sentiment is completely wrong . . . especially in the industrialized West where this is simply an expression of laziness in regards to justice and courage to do, and fight for the good. Prosperity make have secured material survival, but it has meant the death of the soul.
Third, morality is NOT religion, but naturally pairs with it because one cannot be holy and sanctified if one is immoral. Morality is graspable by human reason, and therefore, all human beings are responsible to follow its dictates. These dictates are derived directly from the respect due to human beings because of their innate dignity. They are also universal because there is only one race, the human race. Therefore, morality IS something that is higher than, and therefore FORMS, just laws. Unjust laws are immoral, and they are to be ignored as they do not fulfill the requirements of true law.
The Ten Commandments outline the most serious moral prohibitions and (except for the fourth commandment, intrinsically) obligations. That there is a god is also graspable by reason. We can know something about Him without Divine Revelation. We cannot know Him with it.
Fourth, because morality is universal, it is not a sectarian imposition on others of different religions, or no religion at all, to demand that the requirements of morality be met. It IS an imposition on others to demand that they accept, and give legal status, to your immorality. It IS an imposition to demand that they allow you to craft laws that enable you to put the negative consequences of your actions on them, while you take all the positive consequences of your own actions for yourself.
And as for the “Pro-Choice” position, women don’t just suddenly get pregnant like they get a cold. There is a choice, and everything that follows is result. Sex isn’t just for fun. It’s sexual REPRODUCTION, and the human cycle is 18-20 years worth of material, social, moral, emotional, psychological and spiritual support from the time of conception. The problem is not unwanted pregnancy, the problem is what has drive men and women to have such a careless disregard for human generation that they think they can “play and not pay.” Maybe if we thought about what we do and the impact, we might realize that it is not love and thought for someone else that motivates people to put sex before, or just plain outside of, marriage. It’s lust, it’s loneliness, and no matter how much we don’t want to admit it, its selfishness.
Its time to stop making up lies to cover our tracks when we do something that is bad for us and bad for others. Its time to choose the good and do it. The only failure is to keep doing what doesn’t work.
- Posted by Fred ScharfFor all you posters who believe the Catholic church considers other human rights issues to be on par with abortion, you clearly haven’t read this: http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2008/sep /08091203.html.
And for those who don’t want to read the whole thing, here’s the pertinent part: “When we have someone who has that stand on a disqualifying issue, then the other issues, in many ways, do not matter because they are already wrong on that absolutely fundamental issue.”
Only when taken to a level of insanity could a ‘pro-war’ candidate be considered on par with a pro-abortion candidate in the Bishop’s view. “If we had a candidate in favor of a war in Iraq in which we decimate the entire population and we kill as many civilians to impose as much terror on everybody as possible to make sure . . . If that was in opposition to a pro-abortion person then I’d have a real conflict of conscience because you’d have a direct and intentional killing of innocent persons on one hand and the direct and intentional killing of persons on the other hand, said the Baker Bishop.
“But we don’t have that issue with capital punishment, we don’t have that issue with the war in Iraq we don’t have that issue with the present Administration,” he added.
And yes, I’m intensely curious about the church’s tax-exempt status in all of this. Not sure how this sort of advocating, which I’ve heard in church on Sundays, for specific candidates jives with its 501c3 status.
- Posted by ElizabethArchbishop Burk is only speaking the truth; he is not blaiming any one party. One cannot deny that the majority of, or close to all of the democratic party is pro-choice. The Vatican does not side with one party; the fact that republicans happen to be more conservative, is just what it is. As a matter of fact, the Vatican has fairly looked at both parties with a sense of diappointment, because of the country’s capitalist, and at times, unfair ways. Save deer, birds, foxes, wildlife, and sea life, but murder babies in wombs; is that a position you really want to take.
- Posted by FelicianoThere is a website for Democrats who are pro life: Democrats for Life of America
- Posted by Robert A. MarzulloBerna,
- Posted by RickI assume you also count those churches (particularly Black churches) that support the Democrat positions and Democrat candidates in your statement, “If churches want to weigh in on political topics then they must PAY for that priviledge and lose their TAX EXEMPT STATUS.”. Is that correct, or do you want to pull the tax exempt status of those churches that disagree with your political ideas.