As I was preparing to send you my regular column, I got the news this morning that abortionist George Tiller was killed today in Wichita, KS.
Following is the statement I released this morning to the media:
“I am saddened to hear of the killing of George Tiller this morning. At this point, we do not know the motives of this act, or who is behind it, whether an angry post-abortive man or woman, or a misguided activist, or an enemy within the abortion industry, or a political enemy frustrated with the way Tiller has escaped prosecution. We should not jump to conclusions or rush to judgment.
“But whatever the motives, we at Priests for Life continue to insist on a culture in which violence is never seen as the solution to any problem. Every life has to be protected, without regard to their age or views or actions.”
[End of statement to media]
It should be noted that peaceful pro-life efforts in Wichita were very close to success in getting Tiller’s license revoked. He was on trial recently for breaking various aspects of Kansas law related to late-term abortions. A jury acquitted him, but there were still other violations being investigated.
If in fact it comes to light that the shooting today was done for the motives of trying to stop abortion (and again, that is by no means clear), the point should not be missed that the killings of other abortionists and their staff (David Gunn – 1993; John Britton – 1994; Shannon Lowney and Leanne Nichols – 1994; Barnett Slepian – 1998) occurred in an environment in which there was a lot of frustration over the pro-abortion initiatives of President Clinton. Now, there is similar frustration regarding the Obama Presidency and its support of abortion. This is not to blame our Presidents for someone’s misguided actions. But neither should we miss what may be emerging as a pattern: when hope diminishes that the government is going to do something to protect the vulnerable, the temptation to take the law into one’s own hands increases.
Priests for Life has always been committed to nonviolence.
See www.priestsforlife.org/nonviolence. We remain committed to train pro-life activists worldwide in the spirituality and strategy of peaceful pro-life activism.
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Gratiae Exsisto ut Deus!
The new mass...thanks be to God!
http://www.usccb.org/liturgy/missalformation/index.shtml
http://www.usccb.org/liturgy/missalformation/index.shtml
Please pray for the Christians and the perpetrators
Abortion supporters vandalize church, pro-life offices and university
http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/new.php?n=16130
BARCELONA, SPAIN, May 28 (CNA) - The Abat Oliba University in Barcelona became the third target for vandalism by abortion supporters, who have painted pro-abortion graffiti on the walls of various places in the city.In just one week, abortion supporters in Barcelona have vandalized the parish of St. Francis, the offices of E-Cristians and the Abat Oliba University.
“The new attack, this time on an educational center and the historic building that houses it, is the latest in a string of aggressions by supporters of the new law on abortion that the Socialist Party government is promoting. Once more we must lament that pro-abortion activist have expressed themselves again through violence,” said E-Cristians.
Phrases such as “Abortion on demand now!” and “Get your rosaries off our ovaries” covered the walls of the university building.
http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/new.php?n=16130
BARCELONA, SPAIN, May 28 (CNA) - The Abat Oliba University in Barcelona became the third target for vandalism by abortion supporters, who have painted pro-abortion graffiti on the walls of various places in the city.In just one week, abortion supporters in Barcelona have vandalized the parish of St. Francis, the offices of E-Cristians and the Abat Oliba University.
“The new attack, this time on an educational center and the historic building that houses it, is the latest in a string of aggressions by supporters of the new law on abortion that the Socialist Party government is promoting. Once more we must lament that pro-abortion activist have expressed themselves again through violence,” said E-Cristians.
Phrases such as “Abortion on demand now!” and “Get your rosaries off our ovaries” covered the walls of the university building.
Religious Citizens Targeted in Alameda for 'Intolerable' Views
ALAMEDA COUNTY, Calif., May 28 /Christian Newswire/ -- The intolerance against those with religious or traditional moral views is reaching new lows and no where is that clearer than Alameda.
On Tuesday evening the school board in the Bay Area city voted 3-2 to approve curriculum promoting homosexuality to kindergartners, despite vehement and overwhelming opposition from the community. Promoters of the curriculum are so bent on indoctrinating students that they refused a parental op- out provision, even though parents plead for the board to respect their right to protect their children.
"Polling CRI conducted in the city found that over half of city residents opposed the curriculum," stated Karen England, executive director of CRI. "Even many of those who did support the curriculum still favored a parental opt-out."
England was present at the last three meetings of the school board after parents contacted CRI's office and asked for help in stopping the curriculum's adoption. A veteran of advocating for parental rights at the school board level, England testified on behalf of parents at two of the meetings.
"At this week's meeting, I heard one of the most outrageous and alarming things I've ever heard at any meeting," commented England. "Alameda school board vice president Ron Mooney actually told parents that the school board will provide no protections for one of the state-mandated protected classes: the religious."
During the meeting Mooney responded to a question about whether religious students would be respected for disagreeing with the curriculum, he responded that they may disagree, but only at home; they may not carry those views into the classroom.
Placing himself as the arbiter of what is acceptable morality for all people in his district, Mooney asserted that he saw nothing wrong with homosexuality. The general tenor of Mooney and his peers' remarks reveals that they are themselves intolerant of those with religious beliefs. They knowingly voted for a biased curriculum that specifically excludes religion, turning a deaf ear to the parents who presented cases of religious intolerance in the school district.
Many supporters of the curriculum called opponents bigots and homophobes, engaging in the very name- calling they claim to want to end in their schools. Some even cited religion as the greatest hindrance to stopping bullying and fostering tolerance.
"There is clearly religious bigotry in this district, but it's not coming from the parents opposing this curriculum- it's coming directly from the intolerant members of the school board," explained England. "The board is targeting people of faith, as evidenced by the vice president's bigoted remarks. Mr. Mooney's unprofessional behavior gives license to those who engage in the name-calling and bullying parents experienced at these meetings."
Alameda parents outraged by the complete disregard for the input are discussing how to move forward and hold their elected officials accountable.
Gay Curriculum Proposal Riles Elementary School Parents
Proposed Curriculum
The Truth About the Law
Christian Newswire
On Tuesday evening the school board in the Bay Area city voted 3-2 to approve curriculum promoting homosexuality to kindergartners, despite vehement and overwhelming opposition from the community. Promoters of the curriculum are so bent on indoctrinating students that they refused a parental op- out provision, even though parents plead for the board to respect their right to protect their children.
"Polling CRI conducted in the city found that over half of city residents opposed the curriculum," stated Karen England, executive director of CRI. "Even many of those who did support the curriculum still favored a parental opt-out."
England was present at the last three meetings of the school board after parents contacted CRI's office and asked for help in stopping the curriculum's adoption. A veteran of advocating for parental rights at the school board level, England testified on behalf of parents at two of the meetings.
"At this week's meeting, I heard one of the most outrageous and alarming things I've ever heard at any meeting," commented England. "Alameda school board vice president Ron Mooney actually told parents that the school board will provide no protections for one of the state-mandated protected classes: the religious."
During the meeting Mooney responded to a question about whether religious students would be respected for disagreeing with the curriculum, he responded that they may disagree, but only at home; they may not carry those views into the classroom.
Placing himself as the arbiter of what is acceptable morality for all people in his district, Mooney asserted that he saw nothing wrong with homosexuality. The general tenor of Mooney and his peers' remarks reveals that they are themselves intolerant of those with religious beliefs. They knowingly voted for a biased curriculum that specifically excludes religion, turning a deaf ear to the parents who presented cases of religious intolerance in the school district.
Many supporters of the curriculum called opponents bigots and homophobes, engaging in the very name- calling they claim to want to end in their schools. Some even cited religion as the greatest hindrance to stopping bullying and fostering tolerance.
"There is clearly religious bigotry in this district, but it's not coming from the parents opposing this curriculum- it's coming directly from the intolerant members of the school board," explained England. "The board is targeting people of faith, as evidenced by the vice president's bigoted remarks. Mr. Mooney's unprofessional behavior gives license to those who engage in the name-calling and bullying parents experienced at these meetings."
Alameda parents outraged by the complete disregard for the input are discussing how to move forward and hold their elected officials accountable.
Gay Curriculum Proposal Riles Elementary School Parents
Proposed Curriculum
The Truth About the Law
Christian Newswire
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
California Supreme Court Upholds Prop. 8
SACRAMENTO, May 26 /Christian Newswire/ -- Today the California Supreme Court rendered its opinion regarding Proposition 8, upholding the traditional definition of marriage in the state Constitution. By a vote of the people in the November, 2008 general election, Prop 8 has been in place in the Constitution as Article 1, Section 7.5, stating Only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California.
Responding to the Court's decision, Ron Prentice, California Family Council's executive director, said "Both the historic definition of marriage and the will of the people has been bolstered today in California. We thank the Court for their sound legal decision. More than 100,000 people gave of their time and resources to reinforce the meaning and purpose of marriage, and now, the broad coalition of organizations and individuals known as ProtectMarriage.com moves ahead to strengthen the essential role of marriage in California's future."
Oral arguments before the California Supreme Court took place on March 5, and the deadline for the Court's decision was the first week of June. Kenneth Starr, former Solicitor General of the United States, argued on behalf of ProtectMarriage.com before the Court. ProtectMarriage.com was the only entity arguing for the majority of California's voters, as Jerry Brown, the state's Attorney General, opposed Prop 8.
Celebrations of the decision are being planned for several cities in California. For instance, the San Diego and Fresno communities have scheduled events for Sunday, May 31. Jim Franklin, pastor of Cornerstone Church in Fresno, said "People of faith have stood strong in this battle for marriage, and we intend to stand together moving forward, regardless of the threats that may come our way."
Cornerstone Church's property has been the target of multiple physical attacks since the November election. In two consecutive nights last week, the church was defaced with red and yellow paint spread on its exterior walls.
Prentice, who also served as the chairman of the ProtectMarriage.com executive committee, said "Opponents of traditional marriage have been exposed for their intolerance of a person's rights of conscience and religious expression. We are devoted to informing and educating Californians on marriage's ultimate value to a society, for the benefit of children and the next generation."
Christian Newswire
Responding to the Court's decision, Ron Prentice, California Family Council's executive director, said "Both the historic definition of marriage and the will of the people has been bolstered today in California. We thank the Court for their sound legal decision. More than 100,000 people gave of their time and resources to reinforce the meaning and purpose of marriage, and now, the broad coalition of organizations and individuals known as ProtectMarriage.com moves ahead to strengthen the essential role of marriage in California's future."
Oral arguments before the California Supreme Court took place on March 5, and the deadline for the Court's decision was the first week of June. Kenneth Starr, former Solicitor General of the United States, argued on behalf of ProtectMarriage.com before the Court. ProtectMarriage.com was the only entity arguing for the majority of California's voters, as Jerry Brown, the state's Attorney General, opposed Prop 8.
Celebrations of the decision are being planned for several cities in California. For instance, the San Diego and Fresno communities have scheduled events for Sunday, May 31. Jim Franklin, pastor of Cornerstone Church in Fresno, said "People of faith have stood strong in this battle for marriage, and we intend to stand together moving forward, regardless of the threats that may come our way."
Cornerstone Church's property has been the target of multiple physical attacks since the November election. In two consecutive nights last week, the church was defaced with red and yellow paint spread on its exterior walls.
Prentice, who also served as the chairman of the ProtectMarriage.com executive committee, said "Opponents of traditional marriage have been exposed for their intolerance of a person's rights of conscience and religious expression. We are devoted to informing and educating Californians on marriage's ultimate value to a society, for the benefit of children and the next generation."
Christian Newswire
SBA List: Women Should be Concerned About Sotomayor
WASHINGTON, May 26 /Christian Newswire/ -- Susan B. Anthony List President Marjorie Dannenfelser offered the following reaction in response to today's nomination of Sonia Sotomayor to the Supreme Court by President Obama this morning:
"Women are best protected by the rule of law -- and blind justice. Their rights are most endangered when personal preference, ideology or painful personal history inform judgment. Susan B. Anthony and her early feminist compatriots fought for a human rights standard sustained only through blind justice. When evidence of personal preference appears in any Supreme Court nominee's judgment, it should give all women pause. Given what we know about Judge Sonia Sotomayor's own judicial philosophy -- including her support of policymaking from the bench - - Americans should be concerned about the role of personal preference in her overall judicial philosophy.
When it comes to protecting all human life, one group is never served by undermining the rights of another. Women will never be served by ignoring the rights of unborn children. Judge Sonia Sotomayor's record of support for judicial activism offers little comfort that she will be a friend to the unborn on the Supreme Court. As the Senate fulfills its Constitutional role to 'advise and consent,' Senators should ask the hard questions to thoroughly assess Sotomayor's judicial temperament, and reaffirm the authentic feminist standard of blind justice for all."
In a 2002 speech at Berkeley, Judge Sotomayor stated that she believes it is appropriate for a judge to consider their "experiences as women and people of color," which she believes should "affect our decisions." She went on to say in that same speech "I would hope that a wise Latina woman with the richness of her experience would more often than not reach a better conclusion than a white male who hasn't lived that life." She reiterated her commitment to that lawless judicial philosophy at Duke Law School in 2005 when she stated that the "Court of Appeals is where policy is made."
The Susan B. Anthony List is a nationwide network of Americans, over 158,000 residing in all 50 states, dedicated to mobilizing, advancing, and representing pro-life women in politics. Its connected Candidate Fund increases the percentage of pro-life women in the political process.
www.sba-list.org
Christian Newswire
"Women are best protected by the rule of law -- and blind justice. Their rights are most endangered when personal preference, ideology or painful personal history inform judgment. Susan B. Anthony and her early feminist compatriots fought for a human rights standard sustained only through blind justice. When evidence of personal preference appears in any Supreme Court nominee's judgment, it should give all women pause. Given what we know about Judge Sonia Sotomayor's own judicial philosophy -- including her support of policymaking from the bench - - Americans should be concerned about the role of personal preference in her overall judicial philosophy.
When it comes to protecting all human life, one group is never served by undermining the rights of another. Women will never be served by ignoring the rights of unborn children. Judge Sonia Sotomayor's record of support for judicial activism offers little comfort that she will be a friend to the unborn on the Supreme Court. As the Senate fulfills its Constitutional role to 'advise and consent,' Senators should ask the hard questions to thoroughly assess Sotomayor's judicial temperament, and reaffirm the authentic feminist standard of blind justice for all."
In a 2002 speech at Berkeley, Judge Sotomayor stated that she believes it is appropriate for a judge to consider their "experiences as women and people of color," which she believes should "affect our decisions." She went on to say in that same speech "I would hope that a wise Latina woman with the richness of her experience would more often than not reach a better conclusion than a white male who hasn't lived that life." She reiterated her commitment to that lawless judicial philosophy at Duke Law School in 2005 when she stated that the "Court of Appeals is where policy is made."
The Susan B. Anthony List is a nationwide network of Americans, over 158,000 residing in all 50 states, dedicated to mobilizing, advancing, and representing pro-life women in politics. Its connected Candidate Fund increases the percentage of pro-life women in the political process.
www.sba-list.org
Christian Newswire
National Director of Priests for Life on Judge Sonia Sotomayor's Supreme Court Nomination
STATEN ISLAND, NY, May 26 /Christian Newswire/ -- Fr. Frank Pavone, National Director of Priests for Life, says he has just one question about Judge Sonia Sotomayor as she is nominated by President Obama for the Supreme Court: "Does justice include the right to tear the arms and legs off of babies, crush their skulls, and treat them as medical waste?"
"We all draw the line somewhere. An avowed racist or anti-Semite is not acceptable on the Supreme Court. Why should we give a pass to the violence of abortion?"
Priests for Life is the nation's largest Catholic pro- life organization dedicated to ending abortion and euthanasia. For more information, visit www.priestsforlife.org.
Christian Newswire
"We all draw the line somewhere. An avowed racist or anti-Semite is not acceptable on the Supreme Court. Why should we give a pass to the violence of abortion?"
Priests for Life is the nation's largest Catholic pro- life organization dedicated to ending abortion and euthanasia. For more information, visit www.priestsforlife.org.
Christian Newswire
Monday, May 25, 2009
Vatican newspaper finally reports on U.S. bishops’ criticism of Obama, Notre Dame
http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/new.php?n=16084
VATICAN CITY, May 22 (CNA) - The Vatican daily newspaper L’Osservatore Romano, which has faced criticism from many pro-life U.S. Catholics for its positive assessment of Barack Obama’s presidency, finally reported today on the objection of U.S. bishops to both Obama’s pro-abortion record as well as to Notre Dame’s decision to invite him to its commencement speech.
In the article titled "U.S. Bishops and ethical questions," L’Osservatore quotes the strongly-worded statement from the Archbishop of Denver, Charles J. Chaput which comments on Father John Jenkins’ commencement speech that justified his decision to invite the President of the U.S. to Notre Dame.
The Vatican newspaper does not mention that Chaput’s words were addressed to Fr. Jenkins, but quotes the Denver Archbishop saying that "the most vital thing faithful Catholics can do now is to insist – by their words, actions and financial support – that institutions claiming to be ‘Catholic’ actually live the faith with courage and consistency."
L’ Osservatore then explains that Archbishop Chaput "criticized the decision of the University of Notre Dame to honor someone who has demonstrated the willingness" to uphold Roe v. Wade.
"Other U.S. bishops recently," the Vatican newspaper continues, "have recalled the non-negotiable terms in which (Catholics) must confront ethical issues such as abortion, embryonic stem cell research and the right to conscientious objection of health workers."
L’Osservatore still seemed to defend Obama by saying that the President promised during the commencement speech at Notre Dame that "such a right must be defended," but concluded with the article quoting the Bishop of Kansas City - St. Joseph, Robert W. Finn, saying that "Obama has closed any door to dialogue, affirming that he will not change his position on abortion."
VATICAN CITY, May 22 (CNA) - The Vatican daily newspaper L’Osservatore Romano, which has faced criticism from many pro-life U.S. Catholics for its positive assessment of Barack Obama’s presidency, finally reported today on the objection of U.S. bishops to both Obama’s pro-abortion record as well as to Notre Dame’s decision to invite him to its commencement speech.
In the article titled "U.S. Bishops and ethical questions," L’Osservatore quotes the strongly-worded statement from the Archbishop of Denver, Charles J. Chaput which comments on Father John Jenkins’ commencement speech that justified his decision to invite the President of the U.S. to Notre Dame.
The Vatican newspaper does not mention that Chaput’s words were addressed to Fr. Jenkins, but quotes the Denver Archbishop saying that "the most vital thing faithful Catholics can do now is to insist – by their words, actions and financial support – that institutions claiming to be ‘Catholic’ actually live the faith with courage and consistency."
L’ Osservatore then explains that Archbishop Chaput "criticized the decision of the University of Notre Dame to honor someone who has demonstrated the willingness" to uphold Roe v. Wade.
"Other U.S. bishops recently," the Vatican newspaper continues, "have recalled the non-negotiable terms in which (Catholics) must confront ethical issues such as abortion, embryonic stem cell research and the right to conscientious objection of health workers."
L’Osservatore still seemed to defend Obama by saying that the President promised during the commencement speech at Notre Dame that "such a right must be defended," but concluded with the article quoting the Bishop of Kansas City - St. Joseph, Robert W. Finn, saying that "Obama has closed any door to dialogue, affirming that he will not change his position on abortion."
Cardinal George asks Obama to deliver on 'conscience protections' promise
http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/new.php?n=16088
WASHINGTON D.C., May 23 (CNA) - Yesterday Cardinal Francis George, the president of the U.S. Bishops' Conference, released a statement commending President Barack Obama’s promise to “honor the conscience of those who disagree with abortion.”
Cardinal George expressed his gratitude on Friday afternoon for the President’s comments on the importance of conscience clauses which were made May 17 as he spoke to graduates of the University of Notre Dame.
In his address Obama said: “Let's honor the conscience of those who disagree with abortion, and draft a sensible conscience clause, and make sure that all of our health care policies are grounded not only in sound science, but also in clear ethics…”
In his statement, Cardinal George explained that laws have protected the conscience rights of health care works since 1973. “These laws should be fully implemented and enforced,” he continued. “Caring health professionals and institutions should know that their deeply held religious or moral convictions will be respected as they exercise their right to serve patients in need.”
Looking specifically at Catholic health professionals, the cardinal noted that taking steps to protect their “conscience rights will strengthen our health care system and enhance many patients’ access to necessary life-affirming care.”
He added: “A government that wants to reduce the tragic number of abortions in our society will also work to ensure that no one is forced to support or participate in abortion, whether through directly providing or referring for abortions or being forced to subsidize them with their tax dollars.”
The prelate closed his statement saying that he looks forward to working with the President and his Administration to ensure conscience protection.
An April poll conducted on behalf of the Christian Medical Association found that nearly 87% of Americans support conscience protections for health care providers.
The Department of Health and Human Services, headed by Kathleen Sebelius, is currently considering changes to regulations implemented by the Bush administration.
WASHINGTON D.C., May 23 (CNA) - Yesterday Cardinal Francis George, the president of the U.S. Bishops' Conference, released a statement commending President Barack Obama’s promise to “honor the conscience of those who disagree with abortion.”
Cardinal George expressed his gratitude on Friday afternoon for the President’s comments on the importance of conscience clauses which were made May 17 as he spoke to graduates of the University of Notre Dame.
In his address Obama said: “Let's honor the conscience of those who disagree with abortion, and draft a sensible conscience clause, and make sure that all of our health care policies are grounded not only in sound science, but also in clear ethics…”
In his statement, Cardinal George explained that laws have protected the conscience rights of health care works since 1973. “These laws should be fully implemented and enforced,” he continued. “Caring health professionals and institutions should know that their deeply held religious or moral convictions will be respected as they exercise their right to serve patients in need.”
Looking specifically at Catholic health professionals, the cardinal noted that taking steps to protect their “conscience rights will strengthen our health care system and enhance many patients’ access to necessary life-affirming care.”
He added: “A government that wants to reduce the tragic number of abortions in our society will also work to ensure that no one is forced to support or participate in abortion, whether through directly providing or referring for abortions or being forced to subsidize them with their tax dollars.”
The prelate closed his statement saying that he looks forward to working with the President and his Administration to ensure conscience protection.
An April poll conducted on behalf of the Christian Medical Association found that nearly 87% of Americans support conscience protections for health care providers.
The Department of Health and Human Services, headed by Kathleen Sebelius, is currently considering changes to regulations implemented by the Bush administration.
Bishop Finn to Obama: No dialogue possible over 'irreconcilable' differences
http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/new.php?n=16095
KANSAS CITY, KAN., May 25 (CNA) - Bishop Robert W. Finn of Kansas City-St. Joseph has pointed out that Notre Dame's president said he chose to honor President Obama and let him speak to promote dialogue, but that Obama said in his speech that he and the Church have “irreconcilable” differences on abortion. This admission, the bishop said, “shut the door on dialogue.”
Regarding this latter idea, Bishop Finn expressed that the Church can and in fact does cooperate with the government, but that this cannot mean it will ever move away from its values and ideals, making any negotiation regarding the Church’s tolerance of abortion impossible.
“As a country we want to see an end to racial prejudice. We want a more secure peace in the world. We want sound economic justice for people. So we can’t give up on working with the administration,” Bishop Finn said.
Areas where the Church can work with an administration that protects abortion involve the “many associated elements that have to do with taking care of women in distress, offering alternatives to abortion,” he told Jack Smith, editor of his diocese's newspaper.
Bishop Finn added, “We have to work together, discuss and study how best we can provide for the needs of women and families. How can we reduce the number of abortions? These are elements for dialogue.”
“But the rightness or wrongness of abortion – this is an intrinsic evil,” the bishop stressed.
“The direct taking of an innocent life can never be negotiated. ... Dialogue is important, but the question is fairly raised, 'May we negotiate about things that are intrinsic evils?' and I think the answer is no.”
He also pointed to the importance of being acutely aware of the nature of abortion and not allowing oneself to lower his or her guard in an alleged environment of cooperation.
The reality of abortion is that “we’re fighting for our lives – literally. We are attempting to protect real unborn children by the thousands. We’re fighting for the right to exercise a rightly-formed conscientious difference with public policy. We shouldn’t underestimate the danger of dragging our feet in this effort, or taking a 'wait and see' approach. If we are not ready to make a frontal attack on the protection of conscience rights, the overturning of Roe v’ Wade, and the primacy of authentic marriage, we will lose in these areas.”
Although some Americans think that the current administration is willing to do something about protecting life and family, Finn disagreed, saying, “I think the rug is already being pulled out from under us. If we sit back and allow ourselves to be lulled into a false sense of peace and cooperation in regards to these things, then we will lose these battles and, later, wonder why.”
Later, when he was asked about the dozens of U.S. bishops’ who protested the honoring of President Obama and his speaking at Notre Dame's Commencement, the Kansas City-St. Joseph bishop examined Fr. Jenkins' statement that this showed “a tendency to demonize each other.”
Bishop Finn said that the protest over Obama being honored and speaking demonstrated that the invitation was of a “hurtful nature,” and that the bishops realize that the president has promised to make and has already made “very destructive decisions” on issues concerned with protecting life.
“This is serious business; it is about life and death,” Finn alerted.
“If in speaking out on these things, we are characterized as being angry or condemnatory – then so be it. Such actions are worthy of condemnation.
One major effect that the bishops are worried about is the potential confusion of people “concerning the Catholic teaching against abortion, and on the priority of abortion among other issues of public policy,” he explained.
When asked about President Obama’s speech, he addressed the contradiction of Father Jenkins’ hope for cooperation and President Obama's invitation of “joining hands in common effort” with the rest of his speech, where he cataloged the departing views on abortion as “irreconcilable”:
“I think the message of the day was this – that the President of Notre Dame said that they had invited the President of the United States and decided to honor him for the sake of dialogue. And then the President got up and said that the differences that we have on abortion – namely the Catholic Church’s staunch opposition to abortion and his staunch support of abortion were “irreconcilable.” And at that moment, it would seem to me that the dialogue came to a screeching halt. Father Jenkins’ expressed desire for dialogue, whether it was well-founded or justified, at that point got thrown back in his face. The President shut the door on dialogue by saying that there was not going to be any change in his position on abortion and he understood that there was not going to be any change in the Church’s position on abortion. To me, that was the lesson of the day. I am glad that Mr. Obama was so clear.”
Then he added: “The perception unfortunately was that this was a completely acceptable position of his and, because he is a bright and talented man, this trumps the destructive decisions that he’s making day after day.”
Finally, when asked if President Obama’s “call to work together in reducing unintended pregnancies” was a possible way of finding common ground, Bishop Finn said:
“I fear that the specific way that the [U.S.] President frames this in terms of 'reducing unintended pregnancies' is through the promotion of Planned Parenthood and contraceptive services. The President has supported the Prevention First Act bill that’s going forward. This is not about abstinence education. This is about promoting contraception and giving Planned Parenthood a huge blank check. If Catholics don’t see a problem with this then I don’t think they understand the threat it represents to the meaning of marriage, to fidelity, to chastity, to the very sanctity of human life and intimate love.”
KANSAS CITY, KAN., May 25 (CNA) - Bishop Robert W. Finn of Kansas City-St. Joseph has pointed out that Notre Dame's president said he chose to honor President Obama and let him speak to promote dialogue, but that Obama said in his speech that he and the Church have “irreconcilable” differences on abortion. This admission, the bishop said, “shut the door on dialogue.”
Regarding this latter idea, Bishop Finn expressed that the Church can and in fact does cooperate with the government, but that this cannot mean it will ever move away from its values and ideals, making any negotiation regarding the Church’s tolerance of abortion impossible.
“As a country we want to see an end to racial prejudice. We want a more secure peace in the world. We want sound economic justice for people. So we can’t give up on working with the administration,” Bishop Finn said.
Areas where the Church can work with an administration that protects abortion involve the “many associated elements that have to do with taking care of women in distress, offering alternatives to abortion,” he told Jack Smith, editor of his diocese's newspaper.
Bishop Finn added, “We have to work together, discuss and study how best we can provide for the needs of women and families. How can we reduce the number of abortions? These are elements for dialogue.”
“But the rightness or wrongness of abortion – this is an intrinsic evil,” the bishop stressed.
“The direct taking of an innocent life can never be negotiated. ... Dialogue is important, but the question is fairly raised, 'May we negotiate about things that are intrinsic evils?' and I think the answer is no.”
He also pointed to the importance of being acutely aware of the nature of abortion and not allowing oneself to lower his or her guard in an alleged environment of cooperation.
The reality of abortion is that “we’re fighting for our lives – literally. We are attempting to protect real unborn children by the thousands. We’re fighting for the right to exercise a rightly-formed conscientious difference with public policy. We shouldn’t underestimate the danger of dragging our feet in this effort, or taking a 'wait and see' approach. If we are not ready to make a frontal attack on the protection of conscience rights, the overturning of Roe v’ Wade, and the primacy of authentic marriage, we will lose in these areas.”
Although some Americans think that the current administration is willing to do something about protecting life and family, Finn disagreed, saying, “I think the rug is already being pulled out from under us. If we sit back and allow ourselves to be lulled into a false sense of peace and cooperation in regards to these things, then we will lose these battles and, later, wonder why.”
Later, when he was asked about the dozens of U.S. bishops’ who protested the honoring of President Obama and his speaking at Notre Dame's Commencement, the Kansas City-St. Joseph bishop examined Fr. Jenkins' statement that this showed “a tendency to demonize each other.”
Bishop Finn said that the protest over Obama being honored and speaking demonstrated that the invitation was of a “hurtful nature,” and that the bishops realize that the president has promised to make and has already made “very destructive decisions” on issues concerned with protecting life.
“This is serious business; it is about life and death,” Finn alerted.
“If in speaking out on these things, we are characterized as being angry or condemnatory – then so be it. Such actions are worthy of condemnation.
One major effect that the bishops are worried about is the potential confusion of people “concerning the Catholic teaching against abortion, and on the priority of abortion among other issues of public policy,” he explained.
When asked about President Obama’s speech, he addressed the contradiction of Father Jenkins’ hope for cooperation and President Obama's invitation of “joining hands in common effort” with the rest of his speech, where he cataloged the departing views on abortion as “irreconcilable”:
“I think the message of the day was this – that the President of Notre Dame said that they had invited the President of the United States and decided to honor him for the sake of dialogue. And then the President got up and said that the differences that we have on abortion – namely the Catholic Church’s staunch opposition to abortion and his staunch support of abortion were “irreconcilable.” And at that moment, it would seem to me that the dialogue came to a screeching halt. Father Jenkins’ expressed desire for dialogue, whether it was well-founded or justified, at that point got thrown back in his face. The President shut the door on dialogue by saying that there was not going to be any change in his position on abortion and he understood that there was not going to be any change in the Church’s position on abortion. To me, that was the lesson of the day. I am glad that Mr. Obama was so clear.”
Then he added: “The perception unfortunately was that this was a completely acceptable position of his and, because he is a bright and talented man, this trumps the destructive decisions that he’s making day after day.”
Finally, when asked if President Obama’s “call to work together in reducing unintended pregnancies” was a possible way of finding common ground, Bishop Finn said:
“I fear that the specific way that the [U.S.] President frames this in terms of 'reducing unintended pregnancies' is through the promotion of Planned Parenthood and contraceptive services. The President has supported the Prevention First Act bill that’s going forward. This is not about abstinence education. This is about promoting contraception and giving Planned Parenthood a huge blank check. If Catholics don’t see a problem with this then I don’t think they understand the threat it represents to the meaning of marriage, to fidelity, to chastity, to the very sanctity of human life and intimate love.”
Friday, May 22, 2009
Vatican newspaper 'ignorant' of Obama's history, Catholic commentators charge
http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/new.php?n=16069
WASHINGTON D.C., May 21 (CNA) - Two Catholic commentators are lamenting the “sorry ignorance of recent American history” displayed by L'Osservatore Romano—the newspaper published by the Vatican—in its favorable reaction to President Obama's recent commencement speech at Notre Dame. However, they caution, readers should not make the mistake of thinking that the newspaper speaks for the Catholic Church.
Pope John Paul II's official biographer, George Weigel, wrote in an article for National Review Online that the pieces published by L'Osservatore Romano have caused pro-administration American journalists and activists to leap with “barely concealed glee” on the chance to trumpet the claim that “the Vatican” believes the U.S. Catholic bishops overreacted to Notre Dame’s award of an honorary doctorate of laws to President Obama.
Furthermore, Weigel says, journalists are writing that “the Vatican” is “taking a wait-and-see, so-far-so-good attitude toward Obama after the horrors of the arch-demon Bush.”
Perhaps this argument might hold water if one was ignorant of the way the Holy See operates, but the fact is that there is no such thing as “the Vatican,” which is “as complex and confused a bureaucracy as one finds in national governments,” the Catholic commentator writes.
The truth of the matter is that the Vatican-published newspaper is seldom used as the forum for delivering the Church's position in matters “of faith, morals, or public-policy judgment.”
“The exceptions are when a senior churchman offers a commentary on a recent papal document (an encyclical, for instance), or on those exceedingly rare occasions when an editorial in the paper is followed by three dots, or periods, a traditional convention signaling that the opinion being expressed is from 'high authority,'” Weigel explains.
“In other words,” writes Weigel, “without those dots, there is nothing here but opinion, to be weighed and judged as any opinion is weighed and judged — on its tether to facts and its argumentation.”
While there are middle-and lower-level officials at the Holy See who are “enamored of Barack Obama,” no one can doubt that that the new administration “poses the gravest challenges to the Holy See’s positions on the life issues since the Clinton administration tried and failed to get abortion-on-demand declared a fundamental international human right.”
Charging L'Osservatore Romano with displaying a “sorry ignorance of recent American history (including the history of the civil-rights movement) and a fideist credulity about the magic of Barack Obama,” Weigel says that people should not draw the conclusion that the secular media has: assuming “that the pope and his most senior advisers have drunk the Obama Kool-Aid and wish the American bishops would chill out...”
Catholic political commentator Deal Hudson, is also weighing-in on the newspaper flap, writing on InsideCatholic.com that “something is seriously wrong at L'Osservatore Romano.”
First on Hudson's list of gaffes is the Vatican newspaper's glowing assessment of President Obama's first 100 days in office. The paper, he points out, failed to mention the cancellation of the Mexico City Policy, Obama's pro-abortion rights administration appointments, increased funding for abortion providers and the “widely-recognized White House strategy of approximating the effect of FOCA in a piecemeal fashion.”
The last straw for Hudson came when a Monday article in L'Osservatore praised Obama's speech at Notre Dame for seeking "common ground" on abortion.
“It's now clear that the paper needs a new editor,” Hudson states, pointing out that “the article did not even mention the 79 U.S. bishops who openly criticized Notre Dame for giving Obama an honor at its recent commencement. One of those bishops was the president of the USCCB, Cardinal George of Chicago.”
Hudson also notes that the paper doesn't speak for the Church, but that regardless of that, “damage will be done by the Associated Press story being published around the country, giving the impression that the Vatican officially approves of both Notre Dame's decision and -- most tragically -- Obama's position on abortion.”
“It should be mentioned, as the Catholic News Agency notes, that the same edition of OR contained an article criticizing Obama with quotes from Archbishop Chaput, which both the Associated Press and the USCCB's news service did not mention,” the commentator adds.
In the end, Hudson holds out hope that Gian Maria Vian, the editor of L'Osservatore Romano, is “simply misinformed.”
“If so, that can be corrected, and Vian can begin publishing accurate information and commentary on the new administration. If not, the Vatican newspaper definitely needs new leadership.”
WASHINGTON D.C., May 21 (CNA) - Two Catholic commentators are lamenting the “sorry ignorance of recent American history” displayed by L'Osservatore Romano—the newspaper published by the Vatican—in its favorable reaction to President Obama's recent commencement speech at Notre Dame. However, they caution, readers should not make the mistake of thinking that the newspaper speaks for the Catholic Church.
Pope John Paul II's official biographer, George Weigel, wrote in an article for National Review Online that the pieces published by L'Osservatore Romano have caused pro-administration American journalists and activists to leap with “barely concealed glee” on the chance to trumpet the claim that “the Vatican” believes the U.S. Catholic bishops overreacted to Notre Dame’s award of an honorary doctorate of laws to President Obama.
Furthermore, Weigel says, journalists are writing that “the Vatican” is “taking a wait-and-see, so-far-so-good attitude toward Obama after the horrors of the arch-demon Bush.”
Perhaps this argument might hold water if one was ignorant of the way the Holy See operates, but the fact is that there is no such thing as “the Vatican,” which is “as complex and confused a bureaucracy as one finds in national governments,” the Catholic commentator writes.
The truth of the matter is that the Vatican-published newspaper is seldom used as the forum for delivering the Church's position in matters “of faith, morals, or public-policy judgment.”
“The exceptions are when a senior churchman offers a commentary on a recent papal document (an encyclical, for instance), or on those exceedingly rare occasions when an editorial in the paper is followed by three dots, or periods, a traditional convention signaling that the opinion being expressed is from 'high authority,'” Weigel explains.
“In other words,” writes Weigel, “without those dots, there is nothing here but opinion, to be weighed and judged as any opinion is weighed and judged — on its tether to facts and its argumentation.”
While there are middle-and lower-level officials at the Holy See who are “enamored of Barack Obama,” no one can doubt that that the new administration “poses the gravest challenges to the Holy See’s positions on the life issues since the Clinton administration tried and failed to get abortion-on-demand declared a fundamental international human right.”
Charging L'Osservatore Romano with displaying a “sorry ignorance of recent American history (including the history of the civil-rights movement) and a fideist credulity about the magic of Barack Obama,” Weigel says that people should not draw the conclusion that the secular media has: assuming “that the pope and his most senior advisers have drunk the Obama Kool-Aid and wish the American bishops would chill out...”
Catholic political commentator Deal Hudson, is also weighing-in on the newspaper flap, writing on InsideCatholic.com that “something is seriously wrong at L'Osservatore Romano.”
First on Hudson's list of gaffes is the Vatican newspaper's glowing assessment of President Obama's first 100 days in office. The paper, he points out, failed to mention the cancellation of the Mexico City Policy, Obama's pro-abortion rights administration appointments, increased funding for abortion providers and the “widely-recognized White House strategy of approximating the effect of FOCA in a piecemeal fashion.”
The last straw for Hudson came when a Monday article in L'Osservatore praised Obama's speech at Notre Dame for seeking "common ground" on abortion.
“It's now clear that the paper needs a new editor,” Hudson states, pointing out that “the article did not even mention the 79 U.S. bishops who openly criticized Notre Dame for giving Obama an honor at its recent commencement. One of those bishops was the president of the USCCB, Cardinal George of Chicago.”
Hudson also notes that the paper doesn't speak for the Church, but that regardless of that, “damage will be done by the Associated Press story being published around the country, giving the impression that the Vatican officially approves of both Notre Dame's decision and -- most tragically -- Obama's position on abortion.”
“It should be mentioned, as the Catholic News Agency notes, that the same edition of OR contained an article criticizing Obama with quotes from Archbishop Chaput, which both the Associated Press and the USCCB's news service did not mention,” the commentator adds.
In the end, Hudson holds out hope that Gian Maria Vian, the editor of L'Osservatore Romano, is “simply misinformed.”
“If so, that can be corrected, and Vian can begin publishing accurate information and commentary on the new administration. If not, the Vatican newspaper definitely needs new leadership.”
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Fr. Pavone on Wording of CNN's Roe v. Wade Poll -- Please Hire a New Research Team
STATEN ISLAND, NY, May 20 /Christian Newswire/ -- Fr. Frank Pavone, National Director of Priests for Life, commented on the CNN Poll released Monday by saying, "I am astonished that CNN could not do a better job in accurately portraying what Roe v. Wade says and doesn't say. Please hire a new legal team and a new research team before you ask the public another question about abortion."
The constitutional right found in Roe was not a right to abortion per se. Furthermore, Roe allowed abortion through all nine months, and if the public is going to be asked its opinion on Roe, they should be informed of that.
Priests for Life is the nation's largest Catholic pro-life organization dedicated to ending abortion and euthanasia. For more information, visit www.priestsforlife.org.
Christian Newswire
The constitutional right found in Roe was not a right to abortion per se. Furthermore, Roe allowed abortion through all nine months, and if the public is going to be asked its opinion on Roe, they should be informed of that.
Priests for Life is the nation's largest Catholic pro-life organization dedicated to ending abortion and euthanasia. For more information, visit www.priestsforlife.org.
Christian Newswire
Catholics and other Americans ‘overwhelmingly’ favorable towards Pope Benedict XVI
http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/new.php?n=16054
NEW HAVEN, CONN., May 19 (CNA) - Both American Catholics and their non-Catholic countrymen have an “overwhelmingly” favorable view of Pope Benedict XVI, a new poll commissioned by the Knights of Columbus says.
About 78 percent of practicing Catholics had a favorable or very favorable view of Pope Benedict. Non-practicing Catholics were only slightly less likely to profess a favorable view.
Among all Americans, about 59 percent had a favorable or very favorable view of the pontiff.
The poll was conducted in late March by the Marist College Institute for Public Opinion and the Knights of Columbus. It surveyed 2,078 Americans including 521 American Catholics. It claims a margin of error of plus or minus 2.5 percent concerning responses from all Americans and a margin of error of plus or minus 4.5 percent for Catholic respondents.
According to the survey results, about 65 percent of Americans in general and 85 percent of Catholic Americans said they had a favorable view of the Catholic Church. Of practicing Catholics, 92 percent had a favorable view of the Church while only 73 percent of non-practicing Catholics did.
The poll reported that about half of Americans said they would like to hear Pope Benedict XVI on issues like abortion and stem cell research, while 57 percent wanted to hear his views on marriage and the family.
Supreme Knight of Columbus Carl A. Anderson, commenting in an column for Zenit news agency, said the positive responses were “a great testament to the Pope’s ability to communicate the Gospel directly to people.”
“It is an unswerving commitment to the truth -- and the ability through his own prayerfulness to introduce people to Jesus Christ -- that has made Benedict XVI a beacon of moral courage whose message the American people and people worldwide respect and wish to hear. We might call it a triumph of truth over television,” he wrote.
NEW HAVEN, CONN., May 19 (CNA) - Both American Catholics and their non-Catholic countrymen have an “overwhelmingly” favorable view of Pope Benedict XVI, a new poll commissioned by the Knights of Columbus says.
About 78 percent of practicing Catholics had a favorable or very favorable view of Pope Benedict. Non-practicing Catholics were only slightly less likely to profess a favorable view.
Among all Americans, about 59 percent had a favorable or very favorable view of the pontiff.
The poll was conducted in late March by the Marist College Institute for Public Opinion and the Knights of Columbus. It surveyed 2,078 Americans including 521 American Catholics. It claims a margin of error of plus or minus 2.5 percent concerning responses from all Americans and a margin of error of plus or minus 4.5 percent for Catholic respondents.
According to the survey results, about 65 percent of Americans in general and 85 percent of Catholic Americans said they had a favorable view of the Catholic Church. Of practicing Catholics, 92 percent had a favorable view of the Church while only 73 percent of non-practicing Catholics did.
The poll reported that about half of Americans said they would like to hear Pope Benedict XVI on issues like abortion and stem cell research, while 57 percent wanted to hear his views on marriage and the family.
Supreme Knight of Columbus Carl A. Anderson, commenting in an column for Zenit news agency, said the positive responses were “a great testament to the Pope’s ability to communicate the Gospel directly to people.”
“It is an unswerving commitment to the truth -- and the ability through his own prayerfulness to introduce people to Jesus Christ -- that has made Benedict XVI a beacon of moral courage whose message the American people and people worldwide respect and wish to hear. We might call it a triumph of truth over television,” he wrote.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
The one time Obama was Pro-Life
So let me understand the point President Obama is trying to make. If you are a single woman who is going to find it difficult to raise a child, abortion should be the answer. I know of one time Obama would have been Pro-Life…the nine months prior to August 4, 1961.
Notre Dame: Obama's Remarks Don't Match His Policies
WASHINGTON, May 18 /Christian Newswire/ -- In response to yesterday's Commencement address by President Obama at the University of Notre Dame, Susan B. Anthony List President Marjorie Dannenfelser offered the following statement:
"At Notre Dame, President Obama spoke of respecting the consciences of those Americans who are morally opposed to the tragedy of abortion. Yet his most recent budget proposal to Congress fails to respect the consciences of taxpayers who are morally opposed to funding the destruction of human life," said Dannenfelser. "Further, in working and advocating to fully fund abortions, the President undermines his own purported goal of reducing the 'need' for abortion."
"America deserves authentic leadership on the abortion issue - someone who will help find common ground through civil discourse. Yet there is no evidence of an open mind in President Obama's recommendation that Congress fund abortion on- demand with taxpayer dollars. No true leader on a 'heart-wrenching,' 'complex issue' would seek to set it aside publicly while advancing quietly to achieve his own goals, all the while positing that the two sides are irreconcilable. True common ground exists. He is just not standing on it."
During his commencement address at Notre Dame, the President called for policies that "honor the conscience of those who disagree with abortion." In contrast, President Obama's budget recommendations to Congress call for the repeal of the Dornan Amendment, a longstanding law that has respected the will of Americans by preventing taxpayer- funded abortion in the District of Columbia.
"President Obama and the pro-abortion majority in Congress are on a collision course with public opinion on abortion policy," said Dannenfelser. "As Congress drafts the next budget, it would do well to respect the consciences of taxpayers and stop the agenda that amounts to an abortion industry bailout."
The President's speech came on the heels of recent polling from Gallup that showed that for the first time since 1995 the majority of Americans (51%) identify themselves as pro-life. Gallup proposed that the shift could be due to President Obama's overreach on the issue. They posit: "It is possible that, through his abortion policies, Obama has pushed the public's understanding of what it means to be 'pro-choice' slightly to the left, politically. While Democrats may support that, as they generally support everything Obama is doing as president, it may be driving others in the opposite direction."
President Obama's budget recommendations to Congress call for the repeal of the Dornan Amendment, a longstanding law that has prevented taxpayer-funded abortion in the District of Columbia. Under the U.S. Constitution, Congress is mandated with annually appropriating the entire budget for the District of Columbia.
The Susan B. Anthony List is a nationwide network of Americans, over 157,000 residing in all 50 states, dedicated to mobilizing, advancing, and representing pro-life women in politics. Its connected Candidate Fund increases the percentage of pro-life women in the political process.
Christian Newswire
"At Notre Dame, President Obama spoke of respecting the consciences of those Americans who are morally opposed to the tragedy of abortion. Yet his most recent budget proposal to Congress fails to respect the consciences of taxpayers who are morally opposed to funding the destruction of human life," said Dannenfelser. "Further, in working and advocating to fully fund abortions, the President undermines his own purported goal of reducing the 'need' for abortion."
"America deserves authentic leadership on the abortion issue - someone who will help find common ground through civil discourse. Yet there is no evidence of an open mind in President Obama's recommendation that Congress fund abortion on- demand with taxpayer dollars. No true leader on a 'heart-wrenching,' 'complex issue' would seek to set it aside publicly while advancing quietly to achieve his own goals, all the while positing that the two sides are irreconcilable. True common ground exists. He is just not standing on it."
During his commencement address at Notre Dame, the President called for policies that "honor the conscience of those who disagree with abortion." In contrast, President Obama's budget recommendations to Congress call for the repeal of the Dornan Amendment, a longstanding law that has respected the will of Americans by preventing taxpayer- funded abortion in the District of Columbia.
"President Obama and the pro-abortion majority in Congress are on a collision course with public opinion on abortion policy," said Dannenfelser. "As Congress drafts the next budget, it would do well to respect the consciences of taxpayers and stop the agenda that amounts to an abortion industry bailout."
The President's speech came on the heels of recent polling from Gallup that showed that for the first time since 1995 the majority of Americans (51%) identify themselves as pro-life. Gallup proposed that the shift could be due to President Obama's overreach on the issue. They posit: "It is possible that, through his abortion policies, Obama has pushed the public's understanding of what it means to be 'pro-choice' slightly to the left, politically. While Democrats may support that, as they generally support everything Obama is doing as president, it may be driving others in the opposite direction."
President Obama's budget recommendations to Congress call for the repeal of the Dornan Amendment, a longstanding law that has prevented taxpayer-funded abortion in the District of Columbia. Under the U.S. Constitution, Congress is mandated with annually appropriating the entire budget for the District of Columbia.
The Susan B. Anthony List is a nationwide network of Americans, over 157,000 residing in all 50 states, dedicated to mobilizing, advancing, and representing pro-life women in politics. Its connected Candidate Fund increases the percentage of pro-life women in the political process.
Christian Newswire
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Angels & Demons: Full of Half-Truths, Historical Inaccuracies and Outright Lies says Catholic Author
Free Catholic Resource from Ascension Press Sets the Record Straight
WEST CHESTER, Penn., May 15 /Christian Newswire/ -- "Angels & Demons is an overt attack on the Catholic Church that has the potential to shake the faith of millions of people who know little about Catholic teaching and Catholic and Western history," says Matthew Pinto, president of Ascension Press. As a response, the publisher of A Guide to the Passion and The DaVinci Deception has teamed up with Mark Shea, popular Catholic author and blogger, to set the record straight by releasing Answering Angels & Demons, a free downloadable e-book available at www.AnsweringAngelsandDemons.com.
Shea claims that Angels & Demons is "full of half- truths, historical inaccuracies, and outright lies." And though it is wrapped in an exciting story of mystery and intrigue, he says Angels & Demons has a clear agenda. "Portraying the Church as an institution determined to eliminate those who would foster scientific progress, Angels & Demons paints a picture of our Catholic heritage that denies even the most basic facts of history," says Shea. Originally authored by Dan Brown, and now adapted to the screen under the direction of Ron Howard, Angels & Demons is set to release today, May 15, 2009.
Available for free at www.AnsweringAngelsandDemons.com, Answering Angels & Demons contains thirty-three questions and answers that dispute and dispel the outrageous claims made in the story. "This short but pithy book will make it clear to readers that the Church, far from being an enemy to scientific progress, has throughout the centuries encouraged the scientific endeavors of such men as Copernicus (a Polish Catholic priest), and has been at the forefront of scientific research throughout history," says Pinto.
Answering Angels & Demons, by Mark Shea is a free resource published by Ascension Press. To receive your copy, visit www.AnsweringAngelsandDemons.com.
To schedule an interview with Shea, please contact Christine Schicker with The Maximus Group at 404- 610-8871.
Christian Newswire
WEST CHESTER, Penn., May 15 /Christian Newswire/ -- "Angels & Demons is an overt attack on the Catholic Church that has the potential to shake the faith of millions of people who know little about Catholic teaching and Catholic and Western history," says Matthew Pinto, president of Ascension Press. As a response, the publisher of A Guide to the Passion and The DaVinci Deception has teamed up with Mark Shea, popular Catholic author and blogger, to set the record straight by releasing Answering Angels & Demons, a free downloadable e-book available at www.AnsweringAngelsandDemons.com.
Shea claims that Angels & Demons is "full of half- truths, historical inaccuracies, and outright lies." And though it is wrapped in an exciting story of mystery and intrigue, he says Angels & Demons has a clear agenda. "Portraying the Church as an institution determined to eliminate those who would foster scientific progress, Angels & Demons paints a picture of our Catholic heritage that denies even the most basic facts of history," says Shea. Originally authored by Dan Brown, and now adapted to the screen under the direction of Ron Howard, Angels & Demons is set to release today, May 15, 2009.
Available for free at www.AnsweringAngelsandDemons.com, Answering Angels & Demons contains thirty-three questions and answers that dispute and dispel the outrageous claims made in the story. "This short but pithy book will make it clear to readers that the Church, far from being an enemy to scientific progress, has throughout the centuries encouraged the scientific endeavors of such men as Copernicus (a Polish Catholic priest), and has been at the forefront of scientific research throughout history," says Pinto.
Answering Angels & Demons, by Mark Shea is a free resource published by Ascension Press. To receive your copy, visit www.AnsweringAngelsandDemons.com.
To schedule an interview with Shea, please contact Christine Schicker with The Maximus Group at 404- 610-8871.
Christian Newswire
Catholic leaders call on Obama to remove ‘virulent anti-Catholic’ from advisory council
http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/new.php?n=15998
WASHINGTON D.C., May 15 (CNA) -
A group of twenty Catholic and conservative leaders have written a letter to President Barack Obama protesting the appointment to his faith-based advisory council of a man they say is "a virulent anti-Catholic bigot." The letter lamented the president’s "failure to act" and called on him to remove the appointee.
The letter concerned Advisory Council on Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships appointee Harry Knox, who had described the Knights of Columbus as an "army of oppression" for supporting California’s Proposition 8.
Signatories to the letter included L. Brent Bozell III of the Media Research Center, American Life League President Judie Brown, Catholic League President Bill Donohue, Notre Dame Law Professor Emeritus Charles Rice, and conservative leader Phyllis Schlafly.
Noting President Obama’s claim that the Council would "bring everyone together – from both the secular and faith-based communities," the group’s letter voiced concerns about Knox.
The letter said Knox, a former licensed Methodist minister who is a leader with the homosexual activist group Human Rights Campaign (HRC), is "the hate-filled antithesis of this noble objective."
In the past, Knox had attacked Pope Benedict and some Catholic bishops as "discredited leaders" because of their opposition to same-sex "marriage."
Though saying the Knights of Columbus had done good works, he nevertheless characterized its members as "foot soldiers of a discredited army of oppression" because of the Catholic charitable fraternity’s support for the successful California ballot measure Proposition 8.
Proposition 8 restored the definition of marriage to being between a man and a woman.
In their letter to President Obama, the group said they assumed President Obama and his Administration were previously unaware of Knox’s "deplorable, abusive attitude towards the Church and Pope Benedict XVI." Referring to recent press reports exposing what they said was Knox’s "loathsome and clearly bigoted rhetoric," the signatories said there was now no excuse for inaction.
"As Catholics, we call on you to remove Mr. Knox from his position and to formally disassociate yourself from his militant anti-Catholicism. Failure to do so will result in the tainting of your Faith-Based Council—and indeed, your entire administration—as anti-Catholic," the group said.
WASHINGTON D.C., May 15 (CNA) -
A group of twenty Catholic and conservative leaders have written a letter to President Barack Obama protesting the appointment to his faith-based advisory council of a man they say is "a virulent anti-Catholic bigot." The letter lamented the president’s "failure to act" and called on him to remove the appointee.
The letter concerned Advisory Council on Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships appointee Harry Knox, who had described the Knights of Columbus as an "army of oppression" for supporting California’s Proposition 8.
Signatories to the letter included L. Brent Bozell III of the Media Research Center, American Life League President Judie Brown, Catholic League President Bill Donohue, Notre Dame Law Professor Emeritus Charles Rice, and conservative leader Phyllis Schlafly.
Noting President Obama’s claim that the Council would "bring everyone together – from both the secular and faith-based communities," the group’s letter voiced concerns about Knox.
The letter said Knox, a former licensed Methodist minister who is a leader with the homosexual activist group Human Rights Campaign (HRC), is "the hate-filled antithesis of this noble objective."
In the past, Knox had attacked Pope Benedict and some Catholic bishops as "discredited leaders" because of their opposition to same-sex "marriage."
Though saying the Knights of Columbus had done good works, he nevertheless characterized its members as "foot soldiers of a discredited army of oppression" because of the Catholic charitable fraternity’s support for the successful California ballot measure Proposition 8.
Proposition 8 restored the definition of marriage to being between a man and a woman.
In their letter to President Obama, the group said they assumed President Obama and his Administration were previously unaware of Knox’s "deplorable, abusive attitude towards the Church and Pope Benedict XVI." Referring to recent press reports exposing what they said was Knox’s "loathsome and clearly bigoted rhetoric," the signatories said there was now no excuse for inaction.
"As Catholics, we call on you to remove Mr. Knox from his position and to formally disassociate yourself from his militant anti-Catholicism. Failure to do so will result in the tainting of your Faith-Based Council—and indeed, your entire administration—as anti-Catholic," the group said.
New Gallup Poll: Obama on Collision Course with Public Opinion on Abortion Policy
WASHINGTON, May 15 /Christian Newswire/ -- In response to today's release of polling data from the Gallup's Annual Values and Beliefs Survey, Susan B. Anthony List President Marjorie Dannenfelser offered the following statement:
"These polling results confirm a long trend: Americans are increasingly identifying with the position of protecting human life. It's not shocking that we're seeing stronger pro-life opinions. This trend has been steady since the early '90s. What is interesting is American's shift in self-labeling to a majority 'pro-life' identification. Americans are now seeing through the PR-generated label, 'pro-choice.' Sonograms and real- life experience have deemed this label hollow. President Obama and the pro-abortion majority in Congress are in a collision course with public opinion on abortion policy. What we're debating right now -- taxpayer funding for abortion -- dramatically outstrips public opinion."
This is the first time since 1995 that the majority of Americans have identified themselves as pro-life in Gallup's Annual Values and Beliefs Survey. Gallup proposed that the shift could be due to President Obama's overreach on the issue. They posit: "It is possible that, through his abortion policies, Obama has pushed the public's understanding of what it means to be 'pro-choice' slightly to the left, politically. While Democrats may support that, as they generally support everything Obama is doing as president, it may be driving others in the opposite direction."
"GOP leaders across the nation should take note of both this week's poll and last week's Pew research that show the pro-life position is strengthening the Republican Party," said Susan B. Anthony List President Marjorie Dannenfelser. "It's time to abandon the 'blame pro-lifers first' approach when the GOP loses. If Republicans want to improve their electoral performance, standing on the side of Life is one of the best decisions they can make."
Earlier this month, a national survey by the Pew Research Center for the People & the Press found overall support for abortion down, and that the largest numbers of converts to the pro-life cause have been self-identified independents and liberal to moderate Republicans.
The Susan B. Anthony List is a nationwide network of Americans, over 156,000 residing in all 50 states, dedicated to mobilizing, advancing, and representing pro-life women in politics. Its connected Candidate Fund increases the percentage of pro-life women in the political process.
www.sba-list.org
Christian Newswire
"These polling results confirm a long trend: Americans are increasingly identifying with the position of protecting human life. It's not shocking that we're seeing stronger pro-life opinions. This trend has been steady since the early '90s. What is interesting is American's shift in self-labeling to a majority 'pro-life' identification. Americans are now seeing through the PR-generated label, 'pro-choice.' Sonograms and real- life experience have deemed this label hollow. President Obama and the pro-abortion majority in Congress are in a collision course with public opinion on abortion policy. What we're debating right now -- taxpayer funding for abortion -- dramatically outstrips public opinion."
This is the first time since 1995 that the majority of Americans have identified themselves as pro-life in Gallup's Annual Values and Beliefs Survey. Gallup proposed that the shift could be due to President Obama's overreach on the issue. They posit: "It is possible that, through his abortion policies, Obama has pushed the public's understanding of what it means to be 'pro-choice' slightly to the left, politically. While Democrats may support that, as they generally support everything Obama is doing as president, it may be driving others in the opposite direction."
"GOP leaders across the nation should take note of both this week's poll and last week's Pew research that show the pro-life position is strengthening the Republican Party," said Susan B. Anthony List President Marjorie Dannenfelser. "It's time to abandon the 'blame pro-lifers first' approach when the GOP loses. If Republicans want to improve their electoral performance, standing on the side of Life is one of the best decisions they can make."
Earlier this month, a national survey by the Pew Research Center for the People & the Press found overall support for abortion down, and that the largest numbers of converts to the pro-life cause have been self-identified independents and liberal to moderate Republicans.
The Susan B. Anthony List is a nationwide network of Americans, over 156,000 residing in all 50 states, dedicated to mobilizing, advancing, and representing pro-life women in politics. Its connected Candidate Fund increases the percentage of pro-life women in the political process.
www.sba-list.org
Christian Newswire
Friday, May 15, 2009
New video encouraging recitation of the Rosary surprisingly popular on YouTube
http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/new.php?n=15992
MADRID, SPAIN, May 14 (CNA) - "May Feelings II" is a new video created by Belomasan Films which uniquely reminds those who pray the Rosary that they are not alone and it also encourages those who have not discovered the Marian prayer to give it a try.
Since its debut on www.belomasanfilms.com, which features a high-resolution version, and on YouTube, the video has been seen by over 100,000 users.
The producers of Belomasan Films, who last year surprised everyone with “May Feelings,” a video listing 50 reasons to pray the Rosary, told CNA in a previous interview they hoped that the videos would give encouragement those who already pray the Rosary and would present the Marian prayer as something pleasant and useful to those who have not yet discovered it.
The video can be seen at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dsQeyDZJ_HQ&feature=channel
MADRID, SPAIN, May 14 (CNA) - "May Feelings II" is a new video created by Belomasan Films which uniquely reminds those who pray the Rosary that they are not alone and it also encourages those who have not discovered the Marian prayer to give it a try.
Since its debut on www.belomasanfilms.com, which features a high-resolution version, and on YouTube, the video has been seen by over 100,000 users.
The producers of Belomasan Films, who last year surprised everyone with “May Feelings,” a video listing 50 reasons to pray the Rosary, told CNA in a previous interview they hoped that the videos would give encouragement those who already pray the Rosary and would present the Marian prayer as something pleasant and useful to those who have not yet discovered it.
The video can be seen at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dsQeyDZJ_HQ&feature=channel
Would-be assassin of Pope John Paul II says he wants to be baptized
http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/new.php?n=15995
ANKARA, TURKEY, May 14 (CNA) - Mehmet Ali Agca, the man who attempted to assassinate Pope John Paul II, now claims he would like to convert to Christianity after his release from prison. He says he wants to be baptized in a ceremony at the Vatican.
Agca shot and seriously wounded John Paul II in St. Peter’s Square on May 13, 1981. In 1983, the Pope met with his would-be assassin in an Italian prison and forgave him.
Now serving a prison term for killing a Turkish journalist, Agca has made frequent claims that he is the Messiah or Jesus Christ, the Associated Press reports. This has raised questions about his mental health and also sparked speculations he has converted to Christianity.
"Agca is not formally a Christian," lawyer Haci Ali Ozhan told the Associated Press. "When he converts, he would like a baptism ceremony at the Vatican," Ozhan.
He is scheduled for release on January 18, 2010.
ANKARA, TURKEY, May 14 (CNA) - Mehmet Ali Agca, the man who attempted to assassinate Pope John Paul II, now claims he would like to convert to Christianity after his release from prison. He says he wants to be baptized in a ceremony at the Vatican.
Agca shot and seriously wounded John Paul II in St. Peter’s Square on May 13, 1981. In 1983, the Pope met with his would-be assassin in an Italian prison and forgave him.
Now serving a prison term for killing a Turkish journalist, Agca has made frequent claims that he is the Messiah or Jesus Christ, the Associated Press reports. This has raised questions about his mental health and also sparked speculations he has converted to Christianity.
"Agca is not formally a Christian," lawyer Haci Ali Ozhan told the Associated Press. "When he converts, he would like a baptism ceremony at the Vatican," Ozhan.
He is scheduled for release on January 18, 2010.
More Americans “Pro-Life” Than “Pro-Abortion” for First Time
Also, fewer think abortion should be legal “under any circumstances”
by Lydia SaadPRINCETON, NJ -- A new Gallup Poll, conducted May 7-10, finds 51% of Americans calling themselves "pro-life" on the issue of abortion and 42% "pro-choice." This is the first time a majority of U.S. adults have identified themselves as pro-life since Gallup began asking this question in 1995.
by Lydia SaadPRINCETON, NJ -- A new Gallup Poll, conducted May 7-10, finds 51% of Americans calling themselves "pro-life" on the issue of abortion and 42% "pro-choice." This is the first time a majority of U.S. adults have identified themselves as pro-life since Gallup began asking this question in 1995.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Ordination Class 2009
http://www.usccb.org/comm/archives/2009/09-083.shtml
Ordination Class 2009 Has Many Asian-Born, Despite Low Percentage of Asian Catholics in United States
WASHINGTON—The ordination class of 2009 claims 11 percent Asian-born men, though the percentage of Asian Catholics in the United States is only three percent. Six percent of the class is from Vietnam and two percent from the Philippines.
The percentage of Hispanics in the class is also 12 percent, though the percentage of Hispanic Catholics is estimated at 34 percent. Five percent of the class is from Mexico and one percent from Colombia.
Three percent are African American, the same percentage as African American Catholics in the United States. The majority of the class, 72 percent, is Caucasian, although Caucasians make up only 58 percent of U.S. Catholics.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Pro-Life Notre Dame Students Refuse to Attend Graduation in Protest of Obama Visit, Opt for Prayer in University's Grotto
CHICAGO, May 12 /Christian Newswire/ -- Notre Dame University seniors who have decided not to attend their commencement ceremony in protest of the university's decision to grant President Barack Obama an honorary law degree will instead hold a meditation in the university's Grotto of Our Lady Lourdes at 2 p.m. on May 17, to coincide with the official commencement.
ND Response, the student-led coalition that is planning the meditation, says Notre Dame should not be honoring a political figure who supports abortion and stem cell research.
View a video of student reactions to the university's decision:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=1KUBdrrbF6o
"It's not a political issue; this is an issue of human dignity, and it's a Catholic issue," said Greer Hannan, a Notre Dame graduating senior. "As a Catholic university, we need to stand up for it."
The meditation, which will be led by Rev. Frank Pavone, national director of Priests for Life, is part of a two-day rally that has been officially sanctioned by the university.
The evening of May 16, bishop of the Fort Wayne- South Bend diocese, Rev. John D'Arcy, will lead a candlelight prayer vigil for graduating seniors and their families to pray for an end to abortion and embryo research.
On May 17, Commencement Day, in addition to the meditation ceremony, a large rally will be held on the South Quad of the university, the campus' main quad, between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Speakers at the rally will include Elizabeth Naquin Border, Notre Dame graduate and former chairman of the board for the Women's Care Centers in South Bend; Rev. Joseph Raphael, Notre Dame graduate and principal of St. Augustine's High School in New Orleans; William Solomon, director of the university's Center for Ethics and Culture; and Chris Godfrey, a Notre Dame law school graduate and former offensive guard for the Super Bowl XXI champion New York Giants.
View what's happening on the South Quad in real time via Webcam:
www.nd.edu/~webcam/rockne.shtml
ND Response is an ad hoc coalition of Notre Dame- sponsored student groups that has been organized to lead student reactions to the university's decision to award an honorary law degree to President Barack Obama. These groups include Notre Dame Right to Life, Jus Vitae (Notre Dame Law School Right to Life), Notre Dame Knights of Columbus Council 1477, the Irish Rover independent student newspaper, Notre Dame College Republicans, The University of Notre Dame Anscombe Society, The Identity Project of Notre Dame, Notre Dame Knights of the Immaculata, Notre Dame Children of Mary, the Orestes Brownson Council, and the Notre Dame Law St. Thomas More Society. More information about ND Response and the demonstration can be found on the coalition's Web site, www.NDResponse.com.
Available for interview:
-John Daly, ND Response-
-Several graduating seniors-
-Speakers from the rally-
Please contact Amber Dawe at 312.422.1333 or amber@tcpr.net to arrange an interview before the event.
On-site contact for day of event: John Daly, ND Response, (502) 693-5112
Christian Newswire
ND Response, the student-led coalition that is planning the meditation, says Notre Dame should not be honoring a political figure who supports abortion and stem cell research.
View a video of student reactions to the university's decision:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=1KUBdrrbF6o
"It's not a political issue; this is an issue of human dignity, and it's a Catholic issue," said Greer Hannan, a Notre Dame graduating senior. "As a Catholic university, we need to stand up for it."
The meditation, which will be led by Rev. Frank Pavone, national director of Priests for Life, is part of a two-day rally that has been officially sanctioned by the university.
The evening of May 16, bishop of the Fort Wayne- South Bend diocese, Rev. John D'Arcy, will lead a candlelight prayer vigil for graduating seniors and their families to pray for an end to abortion and embryo research.
On May 17, Commencement Day, in addition to the meditation ceremony, a large rally will be held on the South Quad of the university, the campus' main quad, between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Speakers at the rally will include Elizabeth Naquin Border, Notre Dame graduate and former chairman of the board for the Women's Care Centers in South Bend; Rev. Joseph Raphael, Notre Dame graduate and principal of St. Augustine's High School in New Orleans; William Solomon, director of the university's Center for Ethics and Culture; and Chris Godfrey, a Notre Dame law school graduate and former offensive guard for the Super Bowl XXI champion New York Giants.
View what's happening on the South Quad in real time via Webcam:
www.nd.edu/~webcam/rockne.shtml
ND Response is an ad hoc coalition of Notre Dame- sponsored student groups that has been organized to lead student reactions to the university's decision to award an honorary law degree to President Barack Obama. These groups include Notre Dame Right to Life, Jus Vitae (Notre Dame Law School Right to Life), Notre Dame Knights of Columbus Council 1477, the Irish Rover independent student newspaper, Notre Dame College Republicans, The University of Notre Dame Anscombe Society, The Identity Project of Notre Dame, Notre Dame Knights of the Immaculata, Notre Dame Children of Mary, the Orestes Brownson Council, and the Notre Dame Law St. Thomas More Society. More information about ND Response and the demonstration can be found on the coalition's Web site, www.NDResponse.com.
Available for interview:
-John Daly, ND Response-
-Several graduating seniors-
-Speakers from the rally-
Please contact Amber Dawe at 312.422.1333 or amber@tcpr.net to arrange an interview before the event.
On-site contact for day of event: John Daly, ND Response, (502) 693-5112
Christian Newswire
Monday, May 11, 2009
Fr. Pavone Invited to Notre Dame Commencement by Students Holding Alternate Ceremony
SOUTH BEND, Ind., May 11 /Christian Newswire/ -- Fr. Frank Pavone, National Director of Priests for Life, announced today that next Sunday, May 17, he will be present on the campus of the University of Notre Dame.
Members of the senior class who have decided not to attend their own graduation have invited Fr. Pavone to lead them in prayer at the Class of 2009 Vigil for Life, which will start at 2pm, the same time as the commencement ceremony in which President Obama will be honored.
The Class of 2009 Vigil for Life will take place at the Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes. The Glorious Mysteries of the Rosary will be prayed and Fr. Frank will give five-minute meditations prior to each decade.
In response to the invitation, Fr. Pavone stated, "In standing with these students, I am standing with the true spirit of Notre Dame: a pro-life spirit, in harmony with human reason and Catholic Faith. The scandal that has been generated does not represent what Notre Dame is all about; it represents a radical betrayal of what Notre Dame is all about. I am encouraged by the pro-life activities of so many student groups on this campus - activities that are carried out all year round."
Fr. Pavone added, "Hundreds of thousands of Catholics, hundreds of priests, and dozens of bishops have called upon Notre Dame to end this scandal by withdrawing its invitation to President Obama. The result of that demand is not in our control. But one final response to this scandal is fully in the control of each graduating senior: don't show up. Don't participate in an event which will only serve to obscure rather than highlight the Church's pro-life teaching and the true spirit of Notre Dame. Instead, come to the Class of 2009 Vigil for Life. The seniors who do this are manifesting the real meaning of commencement: they are carrying out the witness to truth and service that their hard-earned degrees have prepared them to give in the world."
Priests for Life has joined with the student groups that comprise "ND Response" (see www.NDResponse.com) in calling on all the faithful to pray a million rosaries in reparation for the scandal of that has arisen with the decision of Notre Dame to honor pro-abortion President Barack Obama. To sign up for this rosary campaign, visit http://www.prayercampaign.org/.
Fr. Frank has released a YouTube commentary on the Notre Dame situation on his channel at www.YouTube.com/FrFrankPavone. His full commentary in print can be found at http://www.priestsforlife.org/.
Priests for Life is the nation's largest Catholic pro-life organization dedicated to ending abortion and euthanasia. For more information, visit www.priestsforlife.org.
Christian Newswire
Members of the senior class who have decided not to attend their own graduation have invited Fr. Pavone to lead them in prayer at the Class of 2009 Vigil for Life, which will start at 2pm, the same time as the commencement ceremony in which President Obama will be honored.
The Class of 2009 Vigil for Life will take place at the Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes. The Glorious Mysteries of the Rosary will be prayed and Fr. Frank will give five-minute meditations prior to each decade.
In response to the invitation, Fr. Pavone stated, "In standing with these students, I am standing with the true spirit of Notre Dame: a pro-life spirit, in harmony with human reason and Catholic Faith. The scandal that has been generated does not represent what Notre Dame is all about; it represents a radical betrayal of what Notre Dame is all about. I am encouraged by the pro-life activities of so many student groups on this campus - activities that are carried out all year round."
Fr. Pavone added, "Hundreds of thousands of Catholics, hundreds of priests, and dozens of bishops have called upon Notre Dame to end this scandal by withdrawing its invitation to President Obama. The result of that demand is not in our control. But one final response to this scandal is fully in the control of each graduating senior: don't show up. Don't participate in an event which will only serve to obscure rather than highlight the Church's pro-life teaching and the true spirit of Notre Dame. Instead, come to the Class of 2009 Vigil for Life. The seniors who do this are manifesting the real meaning of commencement: they are carrying out the witness to truth and service that their hard-earned degrees have prepared them to give in the world."
Priests for Life has joined with the student groups that comprise "ND Response" (see www.NDResponse.com) in calling on all the faithful to pray a million rosaries in reparation for the scandal of that has arisen with the decision of Notre Dame to honor pro-abortion President Barack Obama. To sign up for this rosary campaign, visit http://www.prayercampaign.org/.
Fr. Frank has released a YouTube commentary on the Notre Dame situation on his channel at www.YouTube.com/FrFrankPavone. His full commentary in print can be found at http://www.priestsforlife.org/.
Priests for Life is the nation's largest Catholic pro-life organization dedicated to ending abortion and euthanasia. For more information, visit www.priestsforlife.org.
Christian Newswire
Friday, May 08, 2009
Fr. Corapi on Notre Dame Scandal
Fr. John Corapi thanks signers to the petition at NotreDameScandal.com and urges Catholics to continue the fight for Catholic campuses.
Thursday, May 07, 2009
Alan Keyes announces plans to be arrested at ND commencement; urges others to join in protest
http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/new.php?n=15893
SOUTH BEND, IND., May 6 (CNA) - Former U.S. Diplomat Alan Keyes has announced that he will be present at the University of Notre Dame on May 17 and is planning to be arrested for protesting President Obama’s invitation to speak and receive an honorary degree at the ceremony.
In his statement released Wednesday, Keyes notes that he "will go to South Bend. I will step foot on the Notre Dame campus to lift up the standard that protects the life of the innocent children of this and every generation. I will do it all day and every day from now until the Master comes if need be, though it mean I shall be housed every day in the prison house of lies and injustice that Obama, Jenkins and their minions now mean to construct for those who will never be still and silent in the face of their mockery of God and justice, their celebration of evil"
He urges others to join him saying: "If this be trespass, then forgive us our trespasses and join us in trespassing until the South Bend jail is filled to overflowing with witnesses to truth."
"I ask others who all these years have prayed and labored for the unborn to join us. I know you are there. I have broken bread with you at dinners for crisis pregnancy centers and right to life groups. I have marched with you to proclaim the sanctity of innocent life, and decry the laws that sanction its destruction. I have been uplifted by your faith, your perseverance, your love of God and His Son. The forces of evil mean to lay final claim to a place supposed to be within the precincts of our God and Lord. Come what may, we must come forth now to occupy and hold it against them," he concludes.
To read Dr. Keyes full statement, visit: www.StopObamaNotreDame.com
SOUTH BEND, IND., May 6 (CNA) - Former U.S. Diplomat Alan Keyes has announced that he will be present at the University of Notre Dame on May 17 and is planning to be arrested for protesting President Obama’s invitation to speak and receive an honorary degree at the ceremony.
In his statement released Wednesday, Keyes notes that he "will go to South Bend. I will step foot on the Notre Dame campus to lift up the standard that protects the life of the innocent children of this and every generation. I will do it all day and every day from now until the Master comes if need be, though it mean I shall be housed every day in the prison house of lies and injustice that Obama, Jenkins and their minions now mean to construct for those who will never be still and silent in the face of their mockery of God and justice, their celebration of evil"
He urges others to join him saying: "If this be trespass, then forgive us our trespasses and join us in trespassing until the South Bend jail is filled to overflowing with witnesses to truth."
"I ask others who all these years have prayed and labored for the unborn to join us. I know you are there. I have broken bread with you at dinners for crisis pregnancy centers and right to life groups. I have marched with you to proclaim the sanctity of innocent life, and decry the laws that sanction its destruction. I have been uplifted by your faith, your perseverance, your love of God and His Son. The forces of evil mean to lay final claim to a place supposed to be within the precincts of our God and Lord. Come what may, we must come forth now to occupy and hold it against them," he concludes.
To read Dr. Keyes full statement, visit: www.StopObamaNotreDame.com
Site calls for Nation-wide Catholic ‘Tea Party’ during Obama commencement at Notre Dame
http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/new.php?n=15900
WASHINGTON D.C., May 7 (CNA) - A single-page website, www.prayfor44.com, is inviting Catholics across the U.S. to lead “respectful” prayer meetings, preferably on the same day and at the same time in which President Barack Obama will be honored at the University of Notre Dame.
The idea, according to the promoters of the initiative, is to organize a nationwide, prayerful “Catholic Tea Party” that, they hope, will become viral.
“Dear 44th President, we pray that you may see clearly and defend the value of all human life, from the moment of conception. God bless you,” says the website, which is suggesting that the simultaneous prayer vigils take place on May 17, while President Obama visits Notre Dame.
The site offers a Google Calendar with Catholic events already organized around the Notre Dame controversy.
Those interested in organizing local “Catholic Tea Parties” are encouraged to contact prayfor44@gmail.com.
WASHINGTON D.C., May 7 (CNA) - A single-page website, www.prayfor44.com, is inviting Catholics across the U.S. to lead “respectful” prayer meetings, preferably on the same day and at the same time in which President Barack Obama will be honored at the University of Notre Dame.
The idea, according to the promoters of the initiative, is to organize a nationwide, prayerful “Catholic Tea Party” that, they hope, will become viral.
“Dear 44th President, we pray that you may see clearly and defend the value of all human life, from the moment of conception. God bless you,” says the website, which is suggesting that the simultaneous prayer vigils take place on May 17, while President Obama visits Notre Dame.
The site offers a Google Calendar with Catholic events already organized around the Notre Dame controversy.
Those interested in organizing local “Catholic Tea Parties” are encouraged to contact prayfor44@gmail.com.
Wednesday, May 06, 2009
BISHOPS URGE CATHOLICS TO CONTACT CONGRESS AND NIH: OPPOSE DESTRUCTIVE STEM CELL RESEARCH
USCCB News Release
09-099
May 5, 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Proposed NIH guidelines divorce stem cell research from ethical foundation
Innocent humans treated as commodities for body parts
Bishops call for cures ‘we can all live with’
Multi-media resources for parishes, schools on new Web page
BISHOPS URGE CATHOLICS TO CONTACT CONGRESS AND NIH: OPPOSE DESTRUCTIVE STEM CELL RESEARCH
WASHINGTON—The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) launched a new “Oppose Destructive Stem Cell Research” campaign today, equipping citizens to contact Congress and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to oppose embryonic stem cell research and support ethical cures and treatments “we can all live with.” The campaign is facilitated by the USCCB’s partner organization, the National Committee for a Human Life Amendment.
Following President Obama’s March 9 executive order, the NIH proposed guidelines for federally funded research that will require destroying live human embryos for their stem cells. The draft guidelines are open for public comment through May 26.
The campaign homepage, www.usccb.org/stemcellcampaign, summarizes why the proposed guidelines are unacceptable, provides links to USCCB resources (including the bishops’ statement “On Embryonic Stem Cell Research” and multi-media resources and ads), and encourages web users to “Contact Congress & NIH Now” through an e-mail interface. Several resources are available in both English and Spanish.
The campaign site explains that the NIH guidelines “would—for the first time—use taxpayer funds to encourage the killing of embryonic human beings for their stem cells.” It continues, “Embryonic stem cell research treats innocent human beings as mere sources of body parts, as commodities for our use.”
The webpage features a video of Cardinal Justin Rigali, chairman of the bishops’ Committee on Pro-Life Activities, critiquing the draft guidelines.
“The Catholic bishops of the United States will be writing to Congress and the Administration about the need to restore and maintain barriers against the mistreatment of human life in the name of science, and we urge other concerned citizens to do the same,” Cardinal Rigali said.
Catholics and other citizens are urged to contact both NIH and Congress because members of Congress and the Administration have expressed interest in pursuing an even broader policy. “They want to obtain stem cells by destroying human embryos specially generated for research through in vitro fertilization (IVF) or cloning procedures – a ‘create to kill’ policy,” the campaign page explains.
Those who want to call for stem cell research and cures “we can all live with” may speak out by visiting www.usccb.org/stemcellcampaign and clicking on “Contact Congress & NIH Now.”
09-099
May 5, 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Proposed NIH guidelines divorce stem cell research from ethical foundation
Innocent humans treated as commodities for body parts
Bishops call for cures ‘we can all live with’
Multi-media resources for parishes, schools on new Web page
BISHOPS URGE CATHOLICS TO CONTACT CONGRESS AND NIH: OPPOSE DESTRUCTIVE STEM CELL RESEARCH
WASHINGTON—The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) launched a new “Oppose Destructive Stem Cell Research” campaign today, equipping citizens to contact Congress and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to oppose embryonic stem cell research and support ethical cures and treatments “we can all live with.” The campaign is facilitated by the USCCB’s partner organization, the National Committee for a Human Life Amendment.
Following President Obama’s March 9 executive order, the NIH proposed guidelines for federally funded research that will require destroying live human embryos for their stem cells. The draft guidelines are open for public comment through May 26.
The campaign homepage, www.usccb.org/stemcellcampaign, summarizes why the proposed guidelines are unacceptable, provides links to USCCB resources (including the bishops’ statement “On Embryonic Stem Cell Research” and multi-media resources and ads), and encourages web users to “Contact Congress & NIH Now” through an e-mail interface. Several resources are available in both English and Spanish.
The campaign site explains that the NIH guidelines “would—for the first time—use taxpayer funds to encourage the killing of embryonic human beings for their stem cells.” It continues, “Embryonic stem cell research treats innocent human beings as mere sources of body parts, as commodities for our use.”
The webpage features a video of Cardinal Justin Rigali, chairman of the bishops’ Committee on Pro-Life Activities, critiquing the draft guidelines.
“The Catholic bishops of the United States will be writing to Congress and the Administration about the need to restore and maintain barriers against the mistreatment of human life in the name of science, and we urge other concerned citizens to do the same,” Cardinal Rigali said.
Catholics and other citizens are urged to contact both NIH and Congress because members of Congress and the Administration have expressed interest in pursuing an even broader policy. “They want to obtain stem cells by destroying human embryos specially generated for research through in vitro fertilization (IVF) or cloning procedures – a ‘create to kill’ policy,” the campaign page explains.
Those who want to call for stem cell research and cures “we can all live with” may speak out by visiting www.usccb.org/stemcellcampaign and clicking on “Contact Congress & NIH Now.”
One of world’s oldest bishops criticizes film 'Angels and Demons'
http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/new.php?n=15877
ROME, ITALY, May 5 (CNA) - Bishop Emeritus Antonio Rosario Mennonna, 103, of Nardo-Gallipoli (Italy), one of three living bishops born in 1906, has criticized the film Angels and Demons as “useless stupidity."
According to press reports, the bishop criticized the movie based on Dan Brown’s novel, saying its contents are “highly denigrating, defamatory and offensive for the values of the Church and the prestige of the Holy See.”
Those close to the prelate said he is “deeply shocked and disturbed by the contents of the film.” Bishop Mennonna invited his brother bishops to denounce the film for attacking the faith of missions of spreading obscenity.
ROME, ITALY, May 5 (CNA) - Bishop Emeritus Antonio Rosario Mennonna, 103, of Nardo-Gallipoli (Italy), one of three living bishops born in 1906, has criticized the film Angels and Demons as “useless stupidity."
According to press reports, the bishop criticized the movie based on Dan Brown’s novel, saying its contents are “highly denigrating, defamatory and offensive for the values of the Church and the prestige of the Holy See.”
Those close to the prelate said he is “deeply shocked and disturbed by the contents of the film.” Bishop Mennonna invited his brother bishops to denounce the film for attacking the faith of missions of spreading obscenity.
Father Lombardi asks faithful to pray for Pope’s visit to Holy Land
http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/new.php?n=15880
Vatican City, May 5, 2009 / 09:58 pm (CNA).- In his editorial last Saturday, the Director of the Holy See’s Press Office, Father Federico Lombardi, encouraged the faithful to accompany Pope Benedict XVI on his journey to the Holy Land with what John Paul II called “great prayer.”
Father Lombardi noted that “the departure of Benedict XVI to the Holy Land is now imminent. It is the most anticipated and perhaps most valiant trip of his pontificate. It is a trip of faith and above all, a trip that is more than any other, a true pilgrimage to the holiest places of Salvation History and above all of the Incarnation, Passion, Death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ, Son of God.”
He went on to note that this pilgrimage is also “the spiritual desire of all Christians, and it has become a priority for all the pontiffs ever since international travel became a concrete possibility. It wasn’t for nothing that the pilgrimage to the Holy Land was the first of Paul VI’s of such trips. It was a truly historical moment of grace for the Catholic Church, which was holding the Council.”
“John Paul II,” Father Lombardi continued, “had to wait a long time before fulfilling the desire for this pilgrimage, but he had the joy of doing so serenely, in the heart of the Great Jubilee in 2000.” It was a “true culmination of his pontificate, with moments of sublimely intense prayer and memorable gestures of friendship and closeness to the Jewish and Palestinian peoples and to their past and present sufferings.”
Now, he said, “its Pope Benedict’s turn. We know the political situation in the area is uncertain, just as the prospects of peace are fragile. But with admirable courage based on the faith, the Pope is taking the journey to speak about reconciliation and peace. All of us should accompany him not only with ordinary prayer but also with that spiritual mobilization that John Paul II called the ‘great prayer’.” These prayers and spiritual accompaniment for Benedict XVI will also help the Church “to find renewal in her sources, to increase the unity among Christians and to finally move from hatred to reconciliation.”
Vatican City, May 5, 2009 / 09:58 pm (CNA).- In his editorial last Saturday, the Director of the Holy See’s Press Office, Father Federico Lombardi, encouraged the faithful to accompany Pope Benedict XVI on his journey to the Holy Land with what John Paul II called “great prayer.”
Father Lombardi noted that “the departure of Benedict XVI to the Holy Land is now imminent. It is the most anticipated and perhaps most valiant trip of his pontificate. It is a trip of faith and above all, a trip that is more than any other, a true pilgrimage to the holiest places of Salvation History and above all of the Incarnation, Passion, Death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ, Son of God.”
He went on to note that this pilgrimage is also “the spiritual desire of all Christians, and it has become a priority for all the pontiffs ever since international travel became a concrete possibility. It wasn’t for nothing that the pilgrimage to the Holy Land was the first of Paul VI’s of such trips. It was a truly historical moment of grace for the Catholic Church, which was holding the Council.”
“John Paul II,” Father Lombardi continued, “had to wait a long time before fulfilling the desire for this pilgrimage, but he had the joy of doing so serenely, in the heart of the Great Jubilee in 2000.” It was a “true culmination of his pontificate, with moments of sublimely intense prayer and memorable gestures of friendship and closeness to the Jewish and Palestinian peoples and to their past and present sufferings.”
Now, he said, “its Pope Benedict’s turn. We know the political situation in the area is uncertain, just as the prospects of peace are fragile. But with admirable courage based on the faith, the Pope is taking the journey to speak about reconciliation and peace. All of us should accompany him not only with ordinary prayer but also with that spiritual mobilization that John Paul II called the ‘great prayer’.” These prayers and spiritual accompaniment for Benedict XVI will also help the Church “to find renewal in her sources, to increase the unity among Christians and to finally move from hatred to reconciliation.”
Judge rules irreligious public school teacher violated First Amendment
http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/new.php?n=15881
SANTA ANA, CALIF., May 6 (CNA) - A federal judge has ruled that a California public high school teacher who made denigrating remarks about religion and Christianity violated the establishment clause of the First Amendment when he called creationism “superstitious nonsense.”
James Corbett, an Advanced Placement European history teacher at Capistrano Valley High School, was also accused of saying “when you put on your Jesus glasses, you can't see the truth.” He allegedly compared prayers for divine intervention to hopes that the “spaghetti monster” will “help you get what you want.”
Corbett, who has taught for 20 years, also said “Conservatives don't want women to avoid pregnancies — that's interfering with God's work.”
However, U.S. District Judge James Selna ruled that only Corbett’s comment calling creationism “religious, superstitious nonsense” violated the constitutional rights of former student Chad Farnan.
According to Corbett’s attorney Dan Spradlin, the remark about creationism came during a classroom discussion about a 1993 case in which a former Capistrano Valley High science teacher sued the school district because it required instruction in evolution. Spradlin said Corbett expressed his own opinion that the former teacher shouldn’t have presented his religious views to students, the Associated Press reports.
Student Chad Farnan filed suit in 2007 alleging that Corbett violated the First Amendment by repeatedly making comments hostile to Christian beliefs. Farnan’s lawsuit presented more than 20 statements reportedly made by Corbett during one day of class to support allegations that the teacher used a broader teaching method that “favors irreligion over religion” and made Christian students feel uncomfortable.
Judge Selna found that most of the statements cited did not violate the First Amendment because they did not refer directly to religion or were appropriate in the context of the classroom lecture.
On May 1 the judge ruled that Dr. Corbett’s statement about creationism “constitutes improper disapproval of religion in violation of the Establishment Clause.”
He said the ruling reflects “the constitutionally permissible need for expansive discussion even if a given topic may be offensive to a particular religion” but also reflects “that there are boundaries.”
“The ruling today protects Farnan, but also protects teachers like Corbett in carrying out their teaching duties,” Judge Selna said.
Farnan’s attorney, Jennifer Monk of the Murrieta-based Christian legal group Advocates for Faith & Freedom, said her client is not interested in monetary damages. However, he plans to ask the court to prohibit Corbett from making similar comments in the future.
Monk added that the student’s family would like to see the school district offer teacher training and monitor Corbett’s classroom for future violations.
She said there were no plans to appeal the judge’s rulings on the other statements cited in the lawsuit.
"They lost, he violated the establishment clause," Monk told the Associated Press. "From our perspective, whether he violated it with one statement or with 19 statements is irrelevant."
SANTA ANA, CALIF., May 6 (CNA) - A federal judge has ruled that a California public high school teacher who made denigrating remarks about religion and Christianity violated the establishment clause of the First Amendment when he called creationism “superstitious nonsense.”
James Corbett, an Advanced Placement European history teacher at Capistrano Valley High School, was also accused of saying “when you put on your Jesus glasses, you can't see the truth.” He allegedly compared prayers for divine intervention to hopes that the “spaghetti monster” will “help you get what you want.”
Corbett, who has taught for 20 years, also said “Conservatives don't want women to avoid pregnancies — that's interfering with God's work.”
However, U.S. District Judge James Selna ruled that only Corbett’s comment calling creationism “religious, superstitious nonsense” violated the constitutional rights of former student Chad Farnan.
According to Corbett’s attorney Dan Spradlin, the remark about creationism came during a classroom discussion about a 1993 case in which a former Capistrano Valley High science teacher sued the school district because it required instruction in evolution. Spradlin said Corbett expressed his own opinion that the former teacher shouldn’t have presented his religious views to students, the Associated Press reports.
Student Chad Farnan filed suit in 2007 alleging that Corbett violated the First Amendment by repeatedly making comments hostile to Christian beliefs. Farnan’s lawsuit presented more than 20 statements reportedly made by Corbett during one day of class to support allegations that the teacher used a broader teaching method that “favors irreligion over religion” and made Christian students feel uncomfortable.
Judge Selna found that most of the statements cited did not violate the First Amendment because they did not refer directly to religion or were appropriate in the context of the classroom lecture.
On May 1 the judge ruled that Dr. Corbett’s statement about creationism “constitutes improper disapproval of religion in violation of the Establishment Clause.”
He said the ruling reflects “the constitutionally permissible need for expansive discussion even if a given topic may be offensive to a particular religion” but also reflects “that there are boundaries.”
“The ruling today protects Farnan, but also protects teachers like Corbett in carrying out their teaching duties,” Judge Selna said.
Farnan’s attorney, Jennifer Monk of the Murrieta-based Christian legal group Advocates for Faith & Freedom, said her client is not interested in monetary damages. However, he plans to ask the court to prohibit Corbett from making similar comments in the future.
Monk added that the student’s family would like to see the school district offer teacher training and monitor Corbett’s classroom for future violations.
She said there were no plans to appeal the judge’s rulings on the other statements cited in the lawsuit.
"They lost, he violated the establishment clause," Monk told the Associated Press. "From our perspective, whether he violated it with one statement or with 19 statements is irrelevant."
In honor of the 44th President of the United States, a national ice cream chain has released a new flavor, "Barocky Road."
Barocky Road is a blend vanilla and chocolate. It is surrounded by nuts and flakes. The vanilla portion is not openly advertised and usually denied as an ingredient. The nuts and flakes are all very bitter and hard to swallow. The cost is $100 per scoop.
When purchased, it will be presented to you in a large beautiful cone, but then the Ice Cream is taken away and given to the person in line behind you. Thus you are left with an empty wallet, no change, holding an empty cone and no hope of getting any Ice Cream...
Who knew that "Hope and Change" meant you hoped to keep my change Mr President.
When purchased, it will be presented to you in a large beautiful cone, but then the Ice Cream is taken away and given to the person in line behind you. Thus you are left with an empty wallet, no change, holding an empty cone and no hope of getting any Ice Cream...
Who knew that "Hope and Change" meant you hoped to keep my change Mr President.
'Hate' Laws will be the Rubicon for Religious Free Speech of Broadcasters
WASHINGTON, May 6 /Christian Newswire/ -- National Religious Broadcasters (NRB) is warning that the current push in Congress for "hate crimes" legislation is a harbinger of a new, deadly attack on broadcasting free speech, and is part of a wider international trend spotlighted by Britain's ban this week of an American "right-wing" radio personality.
The House of Representatives recently passed their hate crimes version with a substantial margin (249- 175). Now a similar bill is pending in the Senate. The New York Times today called on the Senate to "quickly schedule a vote" and pass the measure. But executives at NRB see the "hate" legislation as posing a risk that Christian Broadcasters may face prosecution for culturally unpopular views. According to NRB President and CEO Dr. Frank Wright, "our Constitutional rights to free religions speech and free religious expression are not protected by hate crime proposals."
Some legal analysts see no problem. FOXNews has quoted George Washington Law Professor Frederick Lawrence that "there is nothing within the language" of the bills that would permit criminalizing mere speech. But Craig Parshall, NRB's Senior Vice-President and General Counsel strongly disagrees. "The hate crime bills as proposed, are the proverbial 'iceberg' disaster waiting to happen, with most of the danger lying beneath and between the wording. Mere expression without any physical violence, particularly religious speech, can clearly be prosecuted under these proposals. We have tracked the international trend, and everywhere that 'hate' regulations are implemented, free speech is inevitably oppressed. England's decision to ban highly controversial radio host Michael Savage from entering the country merely because it deems his ideas 'hateful' is the most recent example. America may be the next victim of this stealth form of censorship. Right now the Federal Communications Commission has before it a petition to launch an investigation against 'hate' on conservative radio."
For further information contact: Craig Parshall, Sr. VP & General Counsel, at 703-331-4517, or at cparshall@nrb.org.
Christian Newswire
The House of Representatives recently passed their hate crimes version with a substantial margin (249- 175). Now a similar bill is pending in the Senate. The New York Times today called on the Senate to "quickly schedule a vote" and pass the measure. But executives at NRB see the "hate" legislation as posing a risk that Christian Broadcasters may face prosecution for culturally unpopular views. According to NRB President and CEO Dr. Frank Wright, "our Constitutional rights to free religions speech and free religious expression are not protected by hate crime proposals."
Some legal analysts see no problem. FOXNews has quoted George Washington Law Professor Frederick Lawrence that "there is nothing within the language" of the bills that would permit criminalizing mere speech. But Craig Parshall, NRB's Senior Vice-President and General Counsel strongly disagrees. "The hate crime bills as proposed, are the proverbial 'iceberg' disaster waiting to happen, with most of the danger lying beneath and between the wording. Mere expression without any physical violence, particularly religious speech, can clearly be prosecuted under these proposals. We have tracked the international trend, and everywhere that 'hate' regulations are implemented, free speech is inevitably oppressed. England's decision to ban highly controversial radio host Michael Savage from entering the country merely because it deems his ideas 'hateful' is the most recent example. America may be the next victim of this stealth form of censorship. Right now the Federal Communications Commission has before it a petition to launch an investigation against 'hate' on conservative radio."
For further information contact: Craig Parshall, Sr. VP & General Counsel, at 703-331-4517, or at cparshall@nrb.org.
Christian Newswire
New Poll May Reveal 'Obama Effect' on Americans' Abortion Views Says Fr. Pavone
STATEN ISLAND, NY, May 6 /Christian Newswire/ -- Fr. Frank Pavone, National Director of Priests for Life, commented today on a new Pew Research poll showing significant movement away from support of abortion on demand.
"Since October, the percentage of those who want abortion legal in all or most cases has dropped nine points, while the percentage of those who think abortion should be illegal in all or most cases has risen eight points. That's an extraordinary turnaround in a relatively short period. The President's extremism on abortion may well be causing a backlash. The American people simply do not support, and have never supported, abortion on demand. This is a good opportunity for them to solidify their opposition to that extreme policy," Fr. Pavone concluded.
Priests for Life is the nation's largest Catholic pro- life organization dedicated to ending abortion and euthanasia. For more information, visit www.priestsforlife.org.
Christian Newswire
"Since October, the percentage of those who want abortion legal in all or most cases has dropped nine points, while the percentage of those who think abortion should be illegal in all or most cases has risen eight points. That's an extraordinary turnaround in a relatively short period. The President's extremism on abortion may well be causing a backlash. The American people simply do not support, and have never supported, abortion on demand. This is a good opportunity for them to solidify their opposition to that extreme policy," Fr. Pavone concluded.
Priests for Life is the nation's largest Catholic pro- life organization dedicated to ending abortion and euthanasia. For more information, visit www.priestsforlife.org.
Christian Newswire
Rev. Vernon C. King Mourned by Dr. Alveda King, Fr. Frank Pavone
STATEN ISLAND, NY, May 6 /Christian Newswire/ -- Dr. Alveda King, Pastoral Associate of Priests for Life and niece of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., commented today on the passing of her brother, Rev. Vernon C. King.
"My dear brother Vernon spent his life fulfilling the two great commandments, to love God and love your neighbor as yourself," said Dr. King. "I will miss him being with us on this earth, but memories of Vernon will keep me smiling through the tears."
Fr. Frank Pavone, National Director of Priests for Life, added, "Rev. King touched so many lives in so many ways. I had the pleasure of meeting him at many family occasions, and I know he will continue to be an example and inspiration to all who seek a more loving and just society."
Priests for Life is the nation's largest Catholic pro- life organization dedicated to ending abortion and euthanasia. For more information, visit www.priestsforlife.org.
Christian Newswire
"My dear brother Vernon spent his life fulfilling the two great commandments, to love God and love your neighbor as yourself," said Dr. King. "I will miss him being with us on this earth, but memories of Vernon will keep me smiling through the tears."
Fr. Frank Pavone, National Director of Priests for Life, added, "Rev. King touched so many lives in so many ways. I had the pleasure of meeting him at many family occasions, and I know he will continue to be an example and inspiration to all who seek a more loving and just society."
Priests for Life is the nation's largest Catholic pro- life organization dedicated to ending abortion and euthanasia. For more information, visit www.priestsforlife.org.
Christian Newswire
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